Limeberry (lemmon di china)

Limeberry is a small tree that is a member of the citrus family. It is found in areas of limestone and grows up to four meters (12.5 ft) tall. The stems or trunks are zigzags, not straight. This crooked nature of the stems contributes to a tendency to form dense, spiny, thickets. Three distinguishing characteristics of the limeberry are:

1. small, shiny, green, leaves
2. thorns that are capable of tearing clothes and can make thickets impenetrable
3. a red fruit that resembles a cherry

Traditional Uses

Though wide spread on the island, limeberry was rarely used by the CHamoru. Botanist William Safford, who visited Guam at the turn of the 20th century, explains why: "The fruit is bittersweet. It is agreeable if eaten in small quantities, but is mucilaginous and astringent, and one soon tires of it." The tree had a number of minor uses: tool handles, firewood, and hedges.