Finger Lime – Citrus australasica (syn. Microcitrus australasica) | Australian Caviar Lime

An extraordinary Australian citrus rarity, cultivated for its fascinating fruits filled with tiny, translucent juice pearls resembling caviar.

Also known as Finger Lime, Caviar Lime or Lime Pearls, Citrus australasica is a wild citrus species native to eastern Australia. Its distinctive elongated fruits contain hundreds of individual, pearl-like juice vesicles that release a fresh, tangy citrus flavour. They are particularly appreciated in modern cuisine, adding an exceptional touch to seafood, desserts, cocktails and other dishes.

Botanical Profile

• Botanical name: Citrus australasica

• Botanical synonym: Microcitrus australasica

• Common names: Finger Lime, Australian Finger Lime, Caviar Lime, Lime Pearls

• Origin: Eastern Australia

• Plant type: Evergreen citrus shrub or small tree

• Fruit: Elongated citrus fruit containing individual, caviar-like juice vesicles

The Plant Offered at TOMs FLOWer CLUB

This is a well-established Finger Lime, grown as a small tree with an attractive, developing crown.

The plant is potted in our own well-drained, carefully composed organic substrate based on garden soil and compost. It has not been excessively fertilised and has been allowed to develop naturally.

Finger Lime is a particularly rewarding citrus fruit bearer. This specimen has been expertly pruned this spring to maintain its attractive tree shape. It is flowering again and already has one young fruit developing.

Repotting is not necessary for approximately another 2–3 years.

You will receive the plant of the displayed size.

Cultivation & Care

• Location: Keep outdoors whenever temperatures permit. A bright, sunny position is ideal.

• Outdoor season: Ideally from March to October, gradually acclimatising the plant to outdoor conditions in spring.

• Winter care: Finger Lime is not frost-hardy. Overwinter in a bright, frost-free location at approximately 10 °C.

• Watering: Water moderately and regularly during active growth. Avoid waterlogging.

• Substrate: A permeable, well-drained citrus substrate is essential.

• Fertilisation: Moderate feeding during the growing season is sufficient. Avoid excessive fertilisation.

• Pruning: Occasional expert pruning helps maintain a compact, attractive crown.

• Repotting: Only necessary in approximately 2–3 years, depending on root development.

Why Choose Finger Lime?

Unlike conventional citrus fruits, Finger Lime contains hundreds of separate, juicy pearls rather than ordinary citrus segments. Its unusual fruit structure, distinctive appearance and culinary versatility make it one of the most fascinating edible citrus plants for collectors and enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions – Finger Lime

1. What is a Finger Lime (Citrus australasica)?

Finger Lime is an unusual Australian citrus species, also known as Caviar Lime or Lime Pearls. Its elongated fruits contain numerous small, juicy vesicles resembling caviar. Its former botanical name is Microcitrus australasica.

2. Can Finger Lime be grown in Switzerland?

Yes. Finger Lime can be successfully cultivated in Switzerland as a container plant. It should spend the warmer months outdoors in a bright, sunny position and be moved to a bright, frost-free winter location before temperatures become too low.

3. Is Finger Lime frost-hardy?

No. Finger Lime is a frost-sensitive citrus plant and should not be left outdoors during Swiss winters. Protect it from frost and overwinter it in a bright location at approximately 10 °C.

4. Can Finger Lime be grown in a pot?

Yes. Finger Lime is particularly suitable for container cultivation. Growing it in a pot makes it easier to move outdoors during summer and into a protected winter location.

5. How much sunlight does Finger Lime need?

Finger Lime prefers a bright, sunny position. During the growing season, outdoor cultivation is particularly beneficial, providing natural light and fresh air.

6. How often should you water a Finger Lime tree?

Water regularly during active growth, allowing excess water to drain away. The substrate should not remain waterlogged. Reduce watering during the cooler winter period, depending on temperature and growth.

7. When does Finger Lime flower and produce fruit?

Flowering and fruit development depend on the plant's maturity and growing conditions. Established plants can flower and fruit repeatedly under favourable conditions. Our specimen is currently flowering again, with one young fruit already visible.

8. What does Finger Lime taste like?

The juicy pearls have a fresh, tangy citrus flavour. They are popular in modern cuisine, particularly with seafood, desserts, cocktails and other dishes.

9. When should Finger Lime be repotted?

Repotting is generally best carried out in spring when the roots have occupied the available space. Our specimen is already established in its organic, well-drained substrate and should not require repotting for approximately 2–3 years.

10. Where can I buy Finger Lime in Switzerland?

You can buy organically cultivated Finger Lime plants at TOMs FLOWer CLUB in Adliswil, Zurich, Switzerland. Our plants are grown with a focus on natural development, healthy roots and 100% organic quality before quantity.

TOMs FLOWer CLUB – 100% Organic Quality Before Quantity

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, we believe in slow, natural growth and quality over quantity. Our plants are cultivated with experience and care, without excessive fertilisation, chemical sprays, growth hormones or artificial leaf-glossing agents.

A fascinating Australian citrus rarity, naturally cultivated and ready to bring something truly different to your plant collection.

Enjoy your own little Australian citrus tree – and perhaps soon your very own harvest of Lime Pearls!