About Zanthoxylum fagara (L.) Sarg.
Zanthoxylum fagara (L.) Sarg., commonly called lime prickly-ash, is a spreading shrub or small tree that grows up to 7 m (23 ft) tall. Its trunk is usually rough with gray bark, reaching around 0.25 m (0.82 ft) in diameter. The tree's irregularly shaped branches have hooked spines, and it bears pinnate leaves that are 5 cm (2.0 in) long. Most parts of the tree smell similar to citrus, and crushed leaves and bark can be made into a bitter-tasting condiment. This species has high drought tolerance, grows best in full sun, and can also survive as an understory shrub. It provides important food and cover for native wildlife, and its leaves host the larvae of many butterfly species including the giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes). Powdered bark and leaves of Zanthoxylum fagara have been used as a spice, and have an odor similar to limes.
