Citrus australasica (F)
caviar lime
A spiny, evergreen subshrub to 3m tall, with ovate leaves to 4cm long and small, white flowers to 1cm across, borne in spring and summer. Cylindrical fruits to 7cm long are green to bronze-flushed and ripen in late autumn. Cut the fruit through the middle and gently squeeze to release the juicy 'pearls' within. Finger limes are best grown in a cool or temperate greenhouse or conservatory and moved outside during the summer months
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green Bronze | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Citrus are typically evergreen shrubs or trees, frequently spiny, with simple, leathery, aromatic leaves, usually with winged stalks, and often fragrant white or pink-tinged flowers, followed by large, juicy fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of loam-based potting compost (JI No. 2) with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring. Sow seed at 16°C in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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