Finger Lime – Citrus australasica - Grafted

Summary:
The Finger Lime is a unique Australian native citrus prized for its elongated fruit filled with sparkling “citrus caviar” pearls. These tangy, jewel-like vesicles burst in the mouth with a refreshing lime flavour, making them a gourmet delicacy. The tree is highly ornamental with fine foliage, small white flowers, and spiny branches, perfect for both edible and decorative landscapes.

Quick Overview:

• Common Name: Finger Lime
• Botanical Name: Citrus australasica
• Origin: Native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia
• Height & Width: 3–6 m high × 2–3 m wide (smaller in pots or with pruning)
• Foliage: Small, glossy green leaves on a dense, spiny framework
• Flowers: Small, fragrant white to pale pink blooms in spring and summer
• Fruit: Elongated cylindrical limes containing juicy pearl-like vesicles (“lime caviar”) in colours from green to pink and red
• Wildlife Attraction: Flowers attract bees and pollinators
• Position: Full sun to part shade in a warm, frost-free site
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil or premium citrus potting mix
• Tolerance: Tolerates light frost and periods of dryness once established
• Maintenance: Moderate; requires protection from heavy winds and attention to pests such as scale
• Etymology: The species name australasica refers to its origin in Australia; “finger lime” describes the fruit’s elongated finger-like shape.

Detailed Description:

Finger Limes are one of Australia’s most distinctive native fruits, now sought after worldwide by chefs and food lovers. The fruit’s caviar-like pearls add a burst of citrus flavour to seafood, desserts, drinks, and salads. The tree itself is hardy and attractive, with its fine-textured foliage and spiny branches providing natural bird habitat and security screening.

While growth may be slower than standard citrus, Finger Limes are excellent choices for pots, home orchards, and gourmet gardens. They provide both ornamental value and highly marketable fruit, making them a rewarding long-term addition to any garden.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Watering: Requires regular watering during flowering and fruiting; avoid prolonged dryness or waterlogging
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced citrus fertiliser in spring and summer as directed
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping clear of the trunk

Pruning:

• Formative: Light pruning when young to shape and encourage strong framework
• Annual Care: Remove dead or crossing branches; trim after harvest to maintain manageable size
• Container Growth: Easily maintained at 1.5–2 m in pots with regular pruning

Common Uses:

• Gourmet fruit tree producing unique “citrus caviar”
• Highly ornamental with fine foliage and fragrant blossoms
• Excellent for pots, courtyards, or edible landscapes
• Fruit used in seafood dishes, cocktails, desserts, and salads

Planting Benefits:

• Unique Fruit: Highly prized gourmet ingredient with wide culinary uses
• Native Hardiness: Adapted to Australian climates
• Compact & Versatile: Suitable for both pots and gardens
• Dual Purpose: Ornamental and productive