Australian finger lime Citrus australasica
Australian finger lime (Citrus australasica) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rutaceae family, native to Rainforest and scrub of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Australian finger lime at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–209 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit pulp vesicles ("citrus caviar"), leaves |
| Native to | Rainforest and scrub of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Australian finger lime toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, peel, seeds
Essential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, drooling or depression in pets; the flesh is safe for people.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Australian finger lime
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Citrus greening (HLB): Spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, which also breeds on curry leaf (Murraya). Evidence B
- Xylella fastidiosa: Insect-spread bacterium (EU quarantine pest) hitting olive, lavender, rosemary, oleander, Prunus and citrus. Evidence B
Questions about Australian finger lime
- How far apart should I plant Australian finger lime?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Australian finger lime need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Australian finger lime need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Australian finger lime?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Australian finger lime flower?
- About 104–209 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Australian finger lime poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Essential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, drooling or depression in pets; the flesh is safe for people.
- What grows well with Australian finger lime?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Australian finger lime. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Southern hemisphere season (GDD counted from 1 July); thorny understorey plant. Prefers morning sun with some afternoon shade and tolerates only light frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia