Thai Lime TreeCitrus hystrix The leaves, zest and juice of this variety give Thai, Cambodian and Indonesian cuisine their distinctive, unique, and citrusy bouquet. Thai limes are very dark green with unusual, lumpy skin, and foliage that is glossy and equally deep colored. The flowers are strongly perfumed, but even when not in bloom, the plant's leaves are fragrant when bruised, imparting a clean, exhilarating scent. Recipes frequently call for the zest of the