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.

Plant guide

Finger lime.

Citrus australasica

Pronounced SIT-rus aw-stral-a-SAY-see-uh

Also known as Citrus australasica

Microcitrus australasica — Photo by Lucas Christofides (CC BY) via gbif

The finger lime is a unique Australian native shrub known for its caviar like juice vesicles. It produces slender, cylindrical fruits that add a burst of citrus flavor to many dishes. You will love how these little gems brighten up your garden and your kitchen.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 2 to 6 meters
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

Care

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.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and encourage airflow.
Repotting: Repot when the roots begin to circle the bottom of the container.
Soil: Well draining loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 5 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 30 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the soil surface for too long.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: This plant is non-toxic to humans.
Children: Keep children away from the sharp, needle-like thorns on the branches.
Contact allergens: The sharp thorns can cause mechanical skin irritation or scratches.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The fruit is edible, but the sharp thorns on the branches can cause injury during harvest.

How to identify it

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

Height: 2 to 6m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, pale pink, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: green, red, purple, black, yellow, Autumn to winter

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your finger lime from a photo

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, grafting
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: 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.
In containers: It is excellent for containers, needing at least a 40 liter pot with high-quality potting mix.

Cuttings

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Place in a well-draining medium under high humidity.

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

Grows well with

Lavender · It attracts pollinators that help with fruit set.
Rosemary · It shares similar sun and drainage requirements.

Similar species

Lemon · It is a related citrus species with similar care needs.
Kumquat · It is another small-fruited citrus suitable for containers.

Science

Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Microcitrus
Order: Sapindales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Coastal rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.
Conservation: It is not listed as threatened, although clearing of rainforest has reduced its wild habitat.

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

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: culinary garnish, ornamental shrub, container plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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

Good to know

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.

Keep your finger lime growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.