Finger Lime

Finger Lime (Citrus australasica) is an Australian native citrus from the rainforest margins of the east coast, a slender, thorny, small-leaved tree that reaches about 3 to 4m in the garden. It bears cylindrical fruit packed with tiny pearls that burst in the mouth, often called citrus caviar, and it is far more compact and ornamental than any ordinary lime.

Why you'll love it

• Citrus caviar. Cut the fruit and the juice vesicles spill out as crisp pearls with a sharp, lime-like tang, perfect on seafood, drinks and desserts.
• A true native. It grows wild in the understorey of eastern rainforest, so it suits shaded, sheltered gardens that struggle with regular citrus.
• Fine, small foliage. Tiny glossy leaves and a bushy habit make it a good screening shrub and an easy fit in a mixed bed.
• Great in pots. It tolerates container life well, so a balcony or courtyard can hold a fruiting tree.
• Good for wildlife. The spring blossom draws native bees, and the dense growth gives small birds cover.

Where it works best

Edible garden. Plant it near the kitchen door where you can pick fruit by hand. Allow 2m between plants for a loose edible hedge.

Pots and courtyards. A 40cm or larger pot with free-draining citrus mix works well and keeps the thorns away from paths.

Shaded corners. Unlike most citrus it accepts morning sun and filtered light, so use it in positions that other fruit trees would sulk in.

Growing Finger Lime in Australia

Position and climate. Morning sun or filtered light suits it best, with shelter from hot afternoon sun and strong wind. It thrives in subtropical and warm temperate gardens and in cool areas needs frost shelter. In cooler areas, grow it in a pot or protect young plants from frost.

Soil. Free-draining, organic, slightly acidic soil is ideal. Raise the bed or use a pot where drainage is poor.

Water and feed. Keep it moist but never soggy, and feed with a citrus fertiliser through spring and summer. A layer of mulch holds moisture.

Pruning. It needs little: remove dead wood and lightly shape after harvest. It is thorny, so wear gloves. Check for citrus leaf miner on new growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Finger Lime in 140mm pots in packs of 10, 200mm pots in packs of 6, and as 400mm pots, which are advanced stock for a quicker start. This line is the green-fruited species, grown from seedling or grafted plants, and seedlings vary a little in fruit and habit while grafted trees generally crop sooner. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse citrus and fruit
• Lime tree care guide
• More Australian native plants

Common questions

Is it thorny?

Yes. The branches carry short sharp thorns, so plant it away from paths and wear gloves when picking.

Does it need a second plant?

No. Finger limes are self-fertile, though cross-pollination with another citrus nearby can improve cropping.

How is the fruit used?

Slice it open and squeeze out the pearls onto oysters, salads, drinks and desserts. The flavour is sharp and aromatic.