Kaffir lime, also known as makrut lime, is a distinctive citrus species best known for its intensely aromatic leaves and uniquely textured fruit. The plant produces dark green, glossy, double-lobed leaves that are widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine to flavor curries, soups, and stir-fries. Its fruit is small to medium in size with a thick, deeply bumpy rind that is dark green when immature and turns yellow as it ripens. Unlike common limes, kaffir lime has very acidic and bitter juice, so it is rarely used fresh; instead, the highly fragrant peel and leaves are valued for their essential oils and strong citrus aroma. The tree itself is a compact, thorny evergreen that thrives in warm climates and is often grown in home gardens or containers for culinary use.