shrub

Finger Lime

Citrus australasica

$55.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Citrus australasica is an evergreen understory shrub or small tree native to eastern Australia, reaching up to twenty-three feet tall with dense, thorny stems and small glossy leaves. Small white to pale pink flowers appear in spring, followed by slender cylindrical fruits filled with spherical, juice-filled vesicles.

Unlike standard citrus species, the internal fruit pulp consists of unattached, caviar-like pearls that burst under light pressure. The foliage naturally accepts partial shade as an understory species, though maximum fruit yields require full sun exposure.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense evergreen foliage with small spring flowers and slender cylindrical fruits.

Yields high-value culinary citrus pearls used as fresh garnishes.

Thorny canopy provides protective cover for small birds, while flowers feed generalist insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

276"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$55.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a warm location receiving full sun to partial shade, well protected from prevailing winds.
Prepare sandy loam or organic garden loam with high drainage and a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Plant into a raised bed or large container if native garden soil is heavy clay or slow-draining.
Water regularly during the growing season to maintain soil moisture without saturating the root zone.
Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer lightly every two to three months from spring through late summer.

Pro Tip

Position plants in a wind-sheltered site; branch movement against sharp stem thorns lacerates and ruins the delicate skin of developing fruit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure sharp drainage to protect root systems from Phytophthora decay.
Provide wind protection to prevent stem thorns from damaging adjacent fruit.
Feed lightly with balanced citrus fertilizer during warm months.

Don't

Do not allow roots to sit in stagnant water or waterlogged heavy clay.
Do not cut heavily into old, leafless wood during pruning as stems do not readily regenerate.
Do not propagate from seed if early fruiting and true-to-type fruit qualities are desired.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible LandscapeContainer GardenSecurity/Barrier PlantingSpecimen

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Thymus vulgaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Finger Lime questions

What zones can Finger Lime grow in?

Finger Lime is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10: in that range it survives winter in the ground. Colder than Zone 9, grow it in a container you can move to shelter for the winter.

Is Finger Lime deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Finger Lime, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Finger Lime bloom?

Finger Lime typically blooms in spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Finger Lime need full sun?

Finger Lime does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Finger Lime drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Finger Lime handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.