"c. aurantiifolia" is a shrubby tree, that grows to 5 m (16 ft), with many thorns. dwarf varieties are popular with home growers and can be grown indoors in winter in colder climates. the trunk rarely grows straight, with many branches that often originate quite far down on the trunk. the leaves are ovate 2.5–9 cm (1–3.5 in) long. they resemble orange leaves (the scientific name "aurantiifolia" refers to the leaves' resemblance). the flowers are 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter. they are yellowish-white with a light purple tinge on the margins. flowers and fruit appear throughout the year but are most abundant from may to september .