TILIA, LIME or LINDEN-TREE, in botany: A genus of plants belonging to the class of polyandria, and order of monogynia; and in the natural system ranging under the Collinnifera. The calyx is quinquepartite; the corolla pentapetalous; the berry is dry, globose, quinquelocular, quinquevalve, and opening at the base. There are four species; the europæa and americana, pubescens and alba.
The europæa, or common lime-tree, is generally supposed to be a native of Britain; but we are informed by Mr Coxe, that Mr Pennant told him (on what authority is not mentioned), that it was imported into England before the year 1652.
The leaves are heart-shaped, with the apex produced, and serrated on the edges; the flowers grow in a thin umbel, from three to nine together, of a whitish colour and a fragrant smell; very grateful to bees. The wood is light, smooth, and of a spongy texture, used for making laths and tables for shoemakers, &c. Ropes and bandages are made of the bark, and mats and rustic garments of the inner rind, in Carniola and some other countries.—The lime-tree contains a gummy juice, which being repeatedly boiled and clarified produces a substance like sugar.