Citrus australasica
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Citrus australasica

Australian finger lime · Austrialian finger lime

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–9
Click count
337
Observations
243

Description

Source: leafsnap

Citrus australasica, commonly known as the finger lime or caviar lime, is a small tree or shrub native to Australia. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is closely related to other citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. The finger lime gets its name from its elongated shape, which resembles a human finger. The fruit of the Citrus australasica plant is notable for its unique appearance and taste. It contains small, bead-like juice vesicles that resemble caviar when squeezed out of their skin. These vesicles come in various colors including green, pink, yellow, or red, depending on the variety. Traditionally, Indigenous Australians have used the fruit for medicinal purposes due to its high vitamin C content. In recent years, it has gained popularity among chefs for its unique texture and flavor, making it a sought-after ingredient in gourmet dishes. Citrus australasica plants are relatively easy to grow in warm climates with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. They are tolerant of drought conditions once established but require regular watering during their initial growth period. Overall, Citrus australasica is an intriguing plant with unique culinary applications that can add an exotic touch to any dish. Its high vitamin C content also offers health benefits, making it an excellent addition for both garden enthusiasts and foodies alike!

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

The Australian finger lime flourishes in the rainforests of Australia, where it benefits from high humidity and well-balanced moisture levels. To mimic its natural environment, the plant needs to be watered every 1-2 weeks. As an evergreen, the Australian finger lime retains its leaves throughout the year, which helps in conserving water during dry spells.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

The Australian finger lime comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide plenty of light. It performs best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to different sunlight levels.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–35°C

Australian finger lime is fairly adaptable to temperature, capable of enduring higher heat and larger temperature swings. In hot conditions, attention should be given to irrigation and providing appropriate shade to prevent sunburn. Conversely, Australian finger lime has relatively low cold tolerance. While it can handle some chill, excessively cold conditions can result in frost damage.

Ideal temperature: 20–35°C
💨 Humidity high (>60%)

This plant needs special care because it loves high humidity levels of 60-80% or more. The best way to achieve this is by placing a humidifier near the plant. Daily misting is also essential! Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Humidity: high (>60%)
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The Australian finger lime plant needs adequate nutrients to achieve optimal fruit production. Apply fertilizer in early spring to support new growth and bloom development. Regular fertilization keeps the plant healthy, encourages more flavorful fruit, and prevents nutrient-deficiency problems like yellow leaves and poor fruit production.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Australian finger lime thrives in subtropical climates and produces tangy fruit with a caviar-like texture. To maintain a healthy tree, key pruning tasks include removing dead branches and shaping the canopy to improve light exposure and air circulation. For optimal fruit production and size management, prune the tree from early to late winter. Be sure to use sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Citrus
Family
Rutaceae
Hardiness Zone
9
Mature Height
0 cm to 20 cm
Mature Spread
91 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White, Purple
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Spring
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall

Tags (4)

Common Names (2)

en Australian finger lime
en Austrialian finger lime