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 leaves are ovate 2.5 -- 9 cm ( 1 -- 3.5 in ) long , resembling orange leaves ( the scientific name aurantifolia refers to this resemblance to the leaves of the orange , C. aurantium ) .