Triphasia trifolia is known as Limoncito in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, I have never heard it call anything else. I guess in the bonsai community the word dwarf gains a bit more desire than if it isn’t a dwarf. Now, is it a true Dwarf or not, well your guess is as good as mine.
Though these plants produce fruits, I don’t normally see the fruits on a bonsai specimen.
I have two of these plants as bonsai and another 3 in the garden grounds. One of these garden plants is very large and now approaching 3 meters in height with thorns seemingly 3 inches or 7 cm.
Triphasia trifolia
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Triphasia trifolia
- Common Name: Limoncito, Lemoncito, Dwarf Limoncito, Limeberry
- Family: Rutaceae
- Varietals: Dwarf
- Habitat/Range: Tropical Southeastern Asia, especially Inndonesian islands and the Philippines
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Shrub to small tree;
- Leaves: Trifoliate and dark glossy green
- Flowers: White with 3 petals
- Fruit/Seed: Red edible, slightly sweet lime taste
- Stem/Bark:
- Growth: Slow
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 6-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun. Can live in partial shade also
- Water Use: moderate water
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn)
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential.
- Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning can be used to reduce leaf size, making the tree appear more proportional as a miniature.
- Wiring: Branches can be wired year-round.
Gallery images
First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
