Botanical Name: Microcitrus australasica
Description
A delicate rainforest tree that naturally occurs as an understorey tree in SE Queensland and Northern NSW Australia. Finger Lime trees are erect trees growing up to 10 metres. The fruits can be green and cylindrical in shape, up to 100mm long and only about 20-30mm in diameter. They do have prominent thorns and do contain some seeds. They have a thin skin that ranges in colour from green, yellow, red, purple to even a black. The oil cells on the rind are small giving the fruit a great glossy appearance. The fruit contains an acid juice similar to that of a lime and has been rated by famous chefs as ‘superior’ to other limes.Juice vesicles are compressed and burst out (staying in one piece) when the skin of the fruit is cut, enabling them to be used in creative ways.
This is an under storey rainforest shrub, so consider that when you’re choosing it’s place in your garden, either under another, larger plant, or in a pot – dappled shade in an un-exposed nook will give the best harvest.
Used in chutneys, jams, marmalades, savoury sauces and refreshing drinks. In great demand for culinary use as it displays well as a garnish. The fruits can also be frozen successfully without destroying the fruits flavour or texture on thawing, thus allowing us to have access to the fruits all year round. They make an excellent pot specimen.
Finger Lime is a native citrus prized for its unique caviar-like pulp and attractive colour, which can vary between yellow, green, pale pink and crimson. Finger Lime trees were traditionally found in the sub-tropical rainforests of Northern NSW and Queensland, part of the Bundjalung language nation.
