The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Ogeechee Lime

General Information

Nyssa ogeche is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-eastern N. America - Florida to S. Carolina.

Habitat

Wet swamps on the coastal plain[]. Found in permanently wet sites or those that are inundated for part of the year[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Although this is a plant of swamps and other wet soils in the wild, once established it can succeed in Britain when growing in an ordinary good loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[]. Prefers a neutral to alkaline soil[].
This plant is probably not hardy in Britain[].
Resents root disturbance[].
The flowers abound in nectar and are much visited by bees[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - cooked. It is used in preserves[]. A lime substitute[]. Large with an agreeably acid flavour, they make good preserves and a refreshing lemonade-like drink[, , , ]. The fruit is produced in small clusters of 2 - 3, it is up to 4cm long, has a thick, juicy, very acid flesh and contains a single seed[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Wood - coarse-grained, light, soft, tough, not strong and difficult to split[, ]. It has an intricately contorted and twisted grain[]. The tree is too rare and small to be economically important[].

Propagation

The seed can be sown in late winter in a cold frame[] but would probably benefit from an earlier sowing if the seed can be obtained any sooner. Three months stratification at 5°c improves germination[]. Germination rates are variable[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.
Layering.