Tilia cordata - Lime tree

Latin plant name Tila cordata Common plant name Lime tree Plant type Tree Size (meters) 20- 38 m Distinguishing features It is a deciduous tree growing to 20-38 m tall, with a trunk up to 1-2 m diameter. The leaves are alternately arranged, rounded to triangular-ovate, 3-8 cm long and broad, mostly hairless. The small yellow-green hermaphrodite flowers are produced in clusters of five to eleven in early summer and have a rich, heavy scent; the trees are much visited by bees. The fruit is a dry nut-like drupe 6–7 mm long and 4 mm broad, downy at first becoming smooth at maturity. It has a single seed. Buds are alternating boxing globes. A valuable monofloral honey is produced by bees using the trees. The young leaves can be eaten as a salad vegetable. The white, finely-grained wood is a classic choice for refined woodcarvings. It is native to France. They can be shapped.