An Australian rainforest native bush-food prized for its finger-shaped fruit packed with tangy caviar-like vesicles. A thorny, slow understorey shrub that fruits in autumn and suits dappled light or a sheltered pot.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fruiting tree
- Mature size: 3 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Finger Lime
Citrus australasica 'Australian Finger Lime' is a slow-growing fruiting tree in the Rutaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 3 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Finger Lime
Finger Lime suits subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Finger Lime does best in free-draining and acidic soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Finger Lime is regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Finger Lime after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Finger Lime in the garden
Finger Lime earns its place for edible harvests, pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Finger Lime with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Finger Lime
Plant Sale lists Finger Lime as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.