The Kaffir lime ( Citrus hystrix DC . , Rutaceae ) , also known as kieffer lime , makrut , or magrood , is a citrus fruit native to Indonesia . It is widely grown worldwide as a backyard shrub . The kaffir lime ( Citrus hystrix DC . , Rutaceae ) , also known as combava , kieffer lime , limau purut or makrut lime , Kabuyao ( Cabuyao ) is a lime native to Laos , Indonesia , Malaysia and Thailand , south asia , used in Southeast Asian cuisine , but grown worldwide as a backyard shrub .