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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Finger Lime does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Finger Lime after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate as Finger Lime. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. 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. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
