Citrus australasica

Botanical Name: Citrus australasica
Author: F.Muell.
Common Name: Finger Lime
Family: Rutaceae

Location

Occurs in the rainforests of south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales.

You can find it flowering and fruiting in our Fruit Loop where we display plants which are used in some way by Australians.

A medium to large shrub or small tree with white or pale pink flowers appear in late summer and autumn. These are followed by edible, elongated fruits which ripen in winter through to spring. The fruit may be green, yellow, black, purple or red with green, yellow or pink pulp and has recently become popular as a gourmet bush food.

It is hardy in tropical to temperate climates in well drained conditions. Plants are usually slow growing and seedlings may take from 5 to 15 years to reach maturity. The stems are protected with vicious thorns, wearing gloves and long sleeves is recommended when harvesting fruit.