Habitat: Lowland subtropical rainforest and rainforest
Distribution: Coastal border region of north-eastern New South Wales and south-east Queensland (Bundjalung nation)
Conservation status: Not threatened
Scientific name: Citrus australasica
Common name: Finger Lime
About
Citrus australasica, also known as the finger lime, caviar lime, or Gulalung in Bundjalung language, is a shrubby tree with small, oval leaves that grow on thorny branches.
This tree can reach up to 6 metres in height, but regular pruning can keep it smaller. As a thorny shrub or small tree, it offers good protection for nesting birds.
The leaves contain numerous aromatic oil glands. The flowers are typically white, though they can also be pale pink. The elongated, cylindrical fruits can be green, yellow, black, brown, or purple, with flesh that is green, yellow, or pink.
C. australasica grows slowly, and when cultivated from seed, it can take up to 15 years to reach maturity. Finger limes thrive in dappled light as well as full sun. It is able to withstand light frost levels.
Flowering and fruiting
The plant produces flowers 10-14mm in diameter, either white or pale pink which blooms in late summer and autumn. The fruit ripens between May and June. These flowers give way to elongated fruits measuring 30-120mm long and 10-15mm wide. The fruits ripen from winter to spring. These fruits are edible and prized for their strong citrus flavour, making them popular among "bush tucker" enthusiasts.
Finger lime fruits contain small lime beads, also known as juice vesicles, which easily separate. When bitten, these beads burst with a juicy, sweet, and refreshing flavour.
Fun Fact: A traditional Aboriginal food, finger limes have gained popularity more broadly and, making it a sought-after citrus species for cultivation.
Our projects to restore and rehabilitate rainforest in Northern NSW ensures populations of iconic and endemic plants and animals, including the Citrus australasica, are managed for conservation. Please, donate now to help us protect our rainforest habitats.