Citrus australasica
Orders over $399 are delivered for free! All others have a flat rate delivery fee of $40.
Australian Finger Lime Tree
Australian Finger Lime Tree
Citrus australasica
Two thumbs up for the Australian Finger Limes! These unique limes are shaped like short stubby green fingers and filled with tiny juicy orbs that burst with tart lime flavor when eaten. These succulent spheres, called vesicles, resemble caviar and give this tree its other common names, caviar lime or citrus caviar.
Australian Finger Limes are not used for zest or juicing, and its pulp is not your usual citrus pulp. Inside the fruit are a multitude of individual, small, round, semi-transparent juice vesicles that resemble caviar or pearls. The caviar-like pearls are used mostly as a garnish or essence. The effervescent flavor vesicles add a splash of lime acidity to cocktails, desserts, seafood, and salads. Tart lime tastiness explodes in your mouth with each bite into a vesicle akin to the playful pop of Pop Rocks and tongue-tingling excitement of Sour Patch Kids candy.
Native to Australia, the Finger Lime tree is an evergreen, shrubby tree with dense, spiny branches, and very tiny leaves, approximately ½ inch long. Known for its prolific nature, Citrus australasica, formerly known as Microcitrus australasica, produces an abundance of slender, green thin-skinned oblong fruits measuring 3 inches in length. In California, the Australian Finger lime tree primarily yields fruit from late fall to winter, yet it has the potential to bear fruit consistently throughout the year.
Exotic and gourmet, the unusual Australian Finger limes are not easy to find in the produce section of your neighborhood market but they are easy to grow in your own yard. With its compact habit and dense branching, Australian Finger lime trees are great for small gardens, borders, or in patio planters. Capture the essence of this unique lime by ordering your Australian Finger Lime tree today and enjoy its zingy citrus flavor to come.
Finger Lime trees can be grown just like other traditional citrus trees and require little maintenance. It performs best in soil with excellent drainage and can also be grown in containers. Plant your Finger Lime tree in a location that is wind-free, frost-free, and will receive at least 6 hours of full sun. In the wild, Citrus australasica is naturally an understory plant that grows in filtered light.
The Australian Finger Lime tree is adaptable to a wide range of conditions. In full sun, hot climates, it grows quickly and has an open twiggy appearance. In cooler climates, this shrubby tree is more compact and slower growing.
Winter cold hardy to 32℉, protect your fruits and tree from frost with the use of frost cloth when temperatures drop, or plant in a sheltered location close to a house or structure.
Water your Finger Lime tree regularly during the first growing season to develop deep roots. As the roots become established in the ground, reduce the frequency of watering. Avoid standing water.
Prune to maintain the size or shape of your Australian Finger Lime tree and remove erratic growth, and damaged or crossed branches.
Mulching can help conserve ground moisture and help suppress weed growth. Apply a layer of mulch that is 2 or 3 inches deep and keep mulch away from the base of the trunk (at least 6 inches) to avoid disease or rot.
The Australian Finger Lime tree is self-fruitful and does not require pollination from other trees. The fruit is ready for harvest when it easily detaches and falls off in your hand. The fruit does not ripen if picked too early. Cut the Finger Lime lengthwise and scoop out the flavor capsules or cut crosswise and squeeze from the bottom to extrude the vesicles.
Flat Rate
All orders have a flat rate delivery fee of $30.
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Q: When is the best time to harvest Australian Finger Limes?
A: Harvest the Australian Finger Lime when it easily detaches and falls off in your hand. The fruit does not ripen if picked too early. In California, the Australian Finger lime typically ripens in late fall to winter, yet it has the potential to bear fruit consistently throughout the year.
Q: How do I store and eat an Australian Finger Lime?
A: If not using it right away, wrap your Finger Lime in plastic to prevent it from drying out and store it in the refrigerator for a few weeks. For a splash of lime acidity, use as a garnish or essence in cocktails, desserts, seafood, and salads. Cut the Finger Lime lengthwise and scoop out the flavor capsules or cut crosswise and squeeze from the bottom to extrude the vesicles. Best if used fresh.
Q: Why are there no flowers or fruit on my Australian Finger Lime tree?
A: Your Australian Finger Lime tree may be getting too much nitrogen or not enough sunlight. If you use fertilizer, switch to Gardner & Bloome 8-4-2 Organic Citrus & Fruit Tree Fertilizer. If your tree is getting too much shade, try moving it to a sunnier location or remove objects that are blocking the sun.
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