Finger lime.

De un vistazo

Nivel de cuidados

Media

Tipo de planta

Evergreen shrub

Luz

Full sun to partial shade

Luz en interior

Luz indirecta brillante

Riego

Cada 3 a 7 días

Tamaño adulto

2 to 6 meters

Ritmo de crecimiento

Lento

Rusticidad

USDA 9 a 11

Floración

Late winter to early spring

Cuidados

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Provide protection from harsh winds and extreme temperature swings to keep the plant happy.

Riego

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Abonado

Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer during the active growing season.

Poda

Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and encourage airflow.

Trasplante

Repot when the roots begin to circle the bottom of the container.

Suelo

Well draining loamy soil

pH del suelo

6.0 to 7.0

Temperatura

5 a 35°C

Humedad

60 a 80%

Tolerancia a la sequía

Moderada

Longevidad

Perennial, typically 20 to 30 years

Fragancia

Suave

Resistencia a ciervos y conejos

Moderada

Seguridad

Personas

This plant is non-toxic to humans.

Niños

Keep children away from the sharp, needle-like thorns on the branches.

Alérgenos por contacto

The sharp thorns can cause mechanical skin irritation or scratches.

Alérgenos en el aire

The pollen may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

Comestibilidad

The fruit is edible, but the sharp thorns on the branches can cause injury during harvest.

Cómo identificarla

• Slender cylindrical fruit shape
• Tiny pearl like juice vesicles
• Small glossy aromatic leaves
• Sharp thorns on branches
• Dense shrubby growth habit

Altura

2 a 6m

Anchura

1,5 a 3m

Hojas

dark green, evergreen

Flores

white, pale pink, 1 a 2cm

Frutos

green, red, purple, black, yellow, Autumn to winter

Problemas frecuentes

• Citrus gall wasp — Small wasps lay eggs in stems causing woody swellings.
• Scale insects — Small sap-sucking insects that appear as bumps on stems or leaves.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagación

cuttings, grafting

Cuándo plantar

spring

Cuidados en invierno

Move containers indoors or into a greenhouse before the first frost. Keep the plant in a bright, cool spot and reduce watering significantly during the winter months.

En maceta

It is excellent for containers, needing at least a 40 liter pot with high-quality potting mix.

Plant low-growing herbs around the base to help retain soil moisture without competing for nutrients.

Buenas compañeras

• Lavanda inglesa — It attracts pollinators that help with fruit set.
• Rosemary — It shares similar sun and drainage requirements.

Especies parecidas

• Limón Meyer — It is a related citrus species with similar care needs.
• Citrus japonica — It is another small-fruited citrus suitable for containers.

Ciencia

Familia

Rutaceae

Género

Microcitrus

Orden

Sapindales

Clase

Magnoliopsida

Distribución natural

Coastal rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

Conservación

It is protected in parts of its native range due to habitat loss.

It grows as an understory shrub in subtropical rainforests where it relies on filtered light and consistent moisture.

Valor para la fauna

nectar source

Polinizadores

abejas, mariposas

Usos

culinary garnish, ornamental shrub, container plant

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Does it need full sun?

Yes, it thrives in full sun but appreciates some light afternoon shade in very hot climates.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It grows very well in containers, provided the pot is large enough and has excellent drainage.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name Microcitrus refers to its small fruit, while australasica indicates its Australian origin.

Bueno saberlo

• Finger limes are native to the rainforests of Australia.
• The fruit comes in many colors including pink, green, and deep purple.
• It is a popular ingredient in high-end culinary dishes.