Australian Finger Lime

(Citrus can only ship within B.C.)

Native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, the Australian Finger Lime is a naturally shrubby, thorny citrus prized for its unique "lime caviar."

Indigenous Australians have used the fruit as a traditional bushfood for thousands of years, and today it is celebrated by chefs for its juice vesicles that add a burst of intense, sweet-tart, lemon-lime flavour to seafood, cocktails, and desserts. 

The juice vesicles, or juice sacs, in finger limes are unusually elongated and bead-like, so they separate cleanly into little spheres that resemble caviar.

Highly suitable for container growing, this slow-growing citrus thrives in full sun and can be moved indoors over winter to protect it from frost. 

Common names: Australian Finger Lime, Caviar Lime, Bushfood Lime

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: September - November

Scientific name:  Microcitrus australasica
Light requirements: Full sun (6+ hours)
Full-grown size: 6-16' tall x 5-8' wide, but smaller with pruning, and even smaller if grown in a container
Hardiness: Zone 9 (will need winter protection in B.C.)
Pollination: Self-fertile 
Wildlife: Supports pollinators.
Origin: Native to the rainforests of eastern Australia.
Noteworthy: Famous for its "lime caviar": tiny, juice-filled pearls inside the fruit that burst with tangy flavour.