Browse plants / Rutaceae
Finger lime Citrus australasica
Previously known as Microcitrus australasica
When it flowers
- January, not flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, not flowering
- August, not flowering
- September, flowering
- October, flowering
- November, flowering
- December, not flowering
Thorny rainforest shrub whose finger-shaped limes are packed with tangy citrus 'caviar'.
An understorey plant from the rainforests of south-east Queensland and northern NSW. Its small white flowers are followed by finger-shaped fruit in green, black, red or pink, filled with juicy pearls. Grafted plants fruit sooner.
In the garden
- Attracts
- Pollinating insects and butterflies
- Flowers
- Small white to pale pink flowers, lightly scented.
- Leaves
- Tiny, glossy leaves on thorny, zigzag stems.
Bush food
The fruit ripens from late summer to winter, when it comes away from the stem easily. Cut it open and squeeze out the juicy pearls to use like lime on seafood, salads and desserts.
Growing conditions
- Climate
- Subtropical and temperate
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Sandy and loam
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Light frost
- Water
- Needs regular water
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed, cuttings and grafting
Planting
Dappled shade or morning sun in rich, well-drained soil; grows well in a large pot.
Pruning
Little pruning needed. Trim to shape after fruiting.
Care
Keep moist through summer and feed in spring with a citrus fertiliser. Watch for scale and citrus butterfly caterpillars.
Safety
Sharp thorns along the stems. Wear gloves when pruning or picking.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Order
- Sapindales
- Native to
- New South Wales and Queensland
- Natural range
- Rainforest of south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
Where to buy
Widely available.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Citrus australasica on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
An independent list of nurseries that specialise in Australian native plants. Nobody pays to be on it. Distances are approximate and in a straight line. Opening hours and stock vary, so check before you go.