Of all the citrus varieties to choose from, a new type called the Australian finger lime is indeed different – a curiosity worth exploring. Not only is its fruit very different from any citrus you have seen and/or grown, but it is also a real prickly beast covered with thorns. Occasionally available at local garden centers and nurseries, finger limes may be in your future.
As noted in the name, this citrus is originally from the rainforests of Australia. Growing more like a large shrub or small tree, the Australian finger lime has very small leaves and numerous thorns that can make working with the tree very uncomfortable. The cylinder-shaped fruits are about three inches long and look like a small pickle. The interior of the fruit is made up of tiny, round juice vesicles reminiscent of caviar. The flavor of these vesicles is a citrusy mix of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. Commercially, finger limes can be found in high-end retail markets and upscale hotels/bars/restaurants. Finger lime fruit is used in drinks, on seafood, or as a fancy garnish.
A variety of colorful finger lime fruit is available. The most common peel color is green, but there is a red-skinned variety as well. The citrus caviar-like pulp is variable in shades of green and pink. I saw a red variety once at a local box store garden center, but you may have to look around to find a specimen. On-line citrus nurseries located in Florida do carry finger limes, but the demand often outstrips the supply of available plants.
Plant your Australian finger lime tree in a full sun, well-drained site allowing for a tree growing no more than eighteen feet tall – most will be much smaller. Reports indicate that finger limes require less nutrients than standard citrus trees. While many of the finger lime peels can be damaged by their own thorns, the interior fruit quality is still fine for home use consumption. You will need some type of thick, armlength gloves to harvest the fruit and protect your skin from those thorns. One source indicates that a healthy, well-established five-year old tree can produce – on average – up to forty-four pounds of fruit per year.
With the spread of citrus greening throughout Florida, many backyard growers are discouraged and have backed off planting citrus. However, the Australian finger lime is noted as being citrus greening tolerant. This is a good feature which will help keep your finger lime more sustainable on into the future.
Finger limes are a relatively new “kid on the block” citrus, but their novel appeal and disease tolerance may tempt you to try one. Add an Australian finger lime to your fruit tree collection, and minus the wicked thorns, fruit caviar is in your future! For more information on all types of fruits to grow in your own yard, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension – Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Singh, A., Evans, E., Wasielewski, J., Dutt, M. & Grosser, J. Finger Lime: An Alternative Crop with Great Potential in South Florida. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Rezazadeh, A. (2021) Growing Finger lime in Florida. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS – St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.
Nichols, J. (2018) Finger lime harvesting a thorny peril for pained native fruit pickers. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-06-12/finger-limes-new-trendy-versatile-fruit/9856396
Rouse, R. E. & Zekri, M. (2015) Citrus Culture in the Home Landscape. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Giles, F. (2022) Update on Finger Limes in Florida. Citrus Industry Magazine.
BORGER, R. (2020) Coming attraction: Florida finger limes could be a new addition to your grocery citrus aisle. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Dutt, M. & Grosser, J. (2020) Growing finger limes in Florida: Lessons learned so far. Citrus Industry Magazine.
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