Transport yourself to the tropics and enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of Key Limes with your very own Key Lime tree. This hardy plant belongs to the Rutaceae family and is native to tropical Southeast Asia but has been successfully cultivated worldwide. The Key Lime tree thrives in warm, sunny locations and requires well-draining soil that is light to medium in texture. It prefers a pH range of 5 to 8, is sensitive to high salinity, and will not tolerate heavy clay soils or standing water. Once established, it is very drought tolerant but should be watered when the soil has dried out down to about 2 in. With its attractive glossy elliptical to oblong evergreen leaves, the Key Lime tree is a beautiful addition to any landscape. The tree can grow up to 12 ft. tall and 8 ft. wide when planted in the ground, but will remain smaller when grown in a container. The plant can be shaped and pruned easily, and it produces showy and fragrant white flowers followed by petite Key Limes. Key Limes are a versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, from pies and limeade to marinades and sauces. All parts of the tree, including the leaves and fruit, have cosmetic, medicinal, and edible uses. When crushed, the leaves emit a fragrant aroma that is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise.