Finger limes (Citrus australasica) are a native citrus that produce elongated fruit which look like stubby little fingers. The pulp inside is made up of tiny translucent balls that are simply bursting with zestiness and what people love. To use the fruit simply cut it in half, squeeze the pulp out and add to seafood dishes, salads, desserts and even co*cktails for a bit citrus zing.
Finger limes grow as a large dense shrub or small tree but if you have the space they also make a fabulous informal hedge that beneficial insects and birds will appreciate as much as you. It’s a win-win situation!
Finger Lime Varieties
In recent years there’s been an explosion finger lime cultivars released so you might be wondering which one to choose. Essentially they’re all the same when it comes to flavour with differences being in the size and colour of the fruit. The skin of the mature fruit can be green, burgundy or a dull orange while the pulp may be green, pale peach or red. Simply choose whichever appeals to you.
How to Grow Finger Limes
Finger limes grow naturally as an understory tree in the sub-tropical rainforests of south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. In the wild they can grow to 6m but in cultivation they usually stop at 3m which allows easy access to the fruit.
In nurseries you’ll commonly find grafted varieties which are suitable for growing in a wide range of soils and climates. They are usually prolific fruiters and should bear fruit within a year of planting. Grafted varieties are more expensive but worth it when you consider non-grafted forms can take up to 15 years before they begin producing fruit.
Finger lime fruit comes in a range of skin and pulp colours but they all taste the same
