Re: Limes? who are they really?




> Tou are quite right, the lime referred to by Elliot is not at all like a
> citrus. The "limes" you saw in India were almost certainly a true citrus
> (even if they didn't smell) and no connection. It is confusing when a
> similar common name is given to totally different trees (that's the
> beauty of scientific names, which must be unique to each species).

The blossom on Linden trees is fairly inconspicuous but does release a delicious
scent  which carries very well on the air especially when the atmosphere is humid.
On an August visit to Fort Augustus on Loch Ness in Scotland shortly after a
downpour I was bowled over by the glorious scent that pervaded the atmosphere in
the gardens outside the abbey. Then I realized that was the linden blossom
flowering many weeks later than it does for us on the Wirral.

These blossoms are dried to make the soothing tisane which is renowned as aid to
relaxation.  Proust dipped the famous madeleine into this stuff! I feel sure that
it was this and not the madeleine which prompted the remembrances.

Judging by references and by what is seen here in  old parks Linden Walks and
linden gardens must have been very popular in Victorian times. To sit or walk
under flowering tress is undiluted pleasure.  Large scale aromatherapy perhaps!
(Unter  der Linden  in Berlin)

Unfortunately for me my opportunities for appreciating this olfactory experience
is  stymied by the local  council and the tress growth habit .  Its branches
whilst not exactly weeping sweep down close to the ground and can obstruct
movement and lots of twiggy growth emerges directly from the trunk.  Instead of
pruning the branches the tips are taken back a bit  the ignoramuses who do the
pruning take off whole branches spoiling the graceful habit and encouraging the
unsightly twiggy growth.

I gave silent thanks to the person who put a bench under a couple of Linden tress
outside a local school. In the fleeting season for flowering  I was often found
there ........until they were pruned.  Standard pruning spoils their grace.

I really love this tree. Its large very simple pale green leaves are gorgeous. I
pick small branches of it it late summer strip off the leaves and enjoy the
decorative qualities of the  winged ( samaras?) fruits or lime keys in vases.

I think I might launch a"Be Kind to Lime Trees Campaign"

Best wishes Colette

Upton Wirral Merseyside UK

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