Finger lime.

En un coup d'œil

Niveau d'entretien

Moyenne

Type de plante

Evergreen shrub

Lumière

Full sun to partial shade

Lumière en intérieur

Lumière vive indirecte

Arrosage

Tous les 3 à 7 jours

Taille adulte

2 to 6 meters

Croissance

Lente

Rusticité

USDA 9 à 11

Floraison

Late winter to early spring

Entretien

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.

Arrosage

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

Engrais

Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer during the active growing season.

Taille

Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and encourage airflow.

Rempotage

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

Sol

Well draining loamy soil

pH du sol

6.0 to 7.0

Température

5 à 35°C

Humidité

60 à 80%

Résistance à la sécheresse

Moyenne

Durée de vie

Perennial, typically 20 to 30 years

Parfum

Léger

Résistance aux chevreuils et lapins

Moyenne

Sécurité

Humains

This plant is non-toxic to humans.

Enfants

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

Allergènes de contact

The sharp thorns can cause mechanical skin irritation or scratches.

Allergènes aéroportés

The pollen may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

Comestibilité

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

Comment l'identifier

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

Hauteur

2 à 6m

Envergure

1,5 à 3m

Feuilles

dark green, evergreen

Fleurs

white, pale pink, 1 à 2cm

Fruits

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

Problèmes courants

• 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.

La cultiver

Multiplication

cuttings, grafting

Quand planter

spring

Hivernage

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 pot

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.

Bonnes associations

• Lavande d'Angleterre — It attracts pollinators that help with fruit set.
• Rosemary — It shares similar sun and drainage requirements.

Espèces similaires

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

Science

Famille

Rutaceae

Genre

Microcitrus

Ordre

Sapindales

Classe

Magnoliopsida

Région d'origine

Coastal rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

Préservation

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.

Intérêt pour la faune

nectar source

Pollinisateurs

abeilles, papillons

Utilisations

culinary garnish, ornamental shrub, container plant

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

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.

D'où vient le nom

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

Bon à savoir

• 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.