Citrus australasica (Finger Lime)

Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) orange fruit held in fingers, close up, detailed textured skin.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) orange fruit held in fingers, on a plate, close up.

Botanical names: Citrus australasica, Microcitrus australasica

Common names: Finger Lime, Caviar Lime

Family: Rutaceae

Origin: Australia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant type: Fruit
Fruit type: Citrus
Small tree 10-20 ftPlant used for bonsaiPlant form: Small tree; suitable for bonsai
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
Pink flowersFlower color: Pink
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Thorny or spinyThorns: Thorny or spiny
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Finger Lime trees are erect trees growing up to 30 ft. The fruits can be green and cylindrical in shape, up to 4" long and only about 1-1.5" in diameter.

Once the fruit is cut open the tiny round juice vesicles will slowly roll out of the fruit without squeezing, and resemble what is called 'citrus caviar'. Used in chutneys, jams, marmalades, savory sauces and refreshing drinks. In great demand for culinary use as it displays well as a garnish.

Similar plants: Citrus australasica (Finger Lime)

More similar plants


Image gallery: 10 images
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) brown fruit on a branch with small green leaves close up.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) brown fruit hanging from a thin branch among small green leaves.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) dark purple fruit hanging on a thorny branch close up
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) purple fruit hanging from a branch among small green leaves.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) red and yellow fruit close up resting on a plate
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) fruit in red and yellow skin on a plate close up.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) pink fruit close up on a plate with small juice vesicles.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) sliced open revealing tiny pink juice vesicles on a plate surface.
Red finger lime with juice vesicles partially extracted
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) with sharp thorns and small light green leaves on a branch.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) branch showing sharp thorns and small green leaves.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) green fruit hanging from branches with sharp thorns close up
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) with green cylindrical fruit ripening among small leaves and sharp thorns
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) brown seeds close up on a plate
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) seeds arranged on a plate.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) red fruit close up bursting with round juice vesicles.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) showing the red interior juice vesicles spilling from cut fruit skin.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) red fruit close up on a plate with scale ruler.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) sliced open revealing small red juice vesicles on a plate.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) with dark purple fruit and small green leaves, close up.
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) with dark purple fruit hanging from dense branches and green leaves.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/microcitrus_australasica.htm
About Tropical Plant Encyclopedia · Pictogram Guide·