Citrus australasica (GPL Finger Lime) Plant

Description

Citrus australasica, known as Finger Lime, are an Australian native citrus prized for its unique caviar-like pulp and attractive colour, which can vary between yellow, green, pale pink and crimson. Finger Lime trees are a thorny understorey shrub or small tree with small rounded deep green foliage and stems which bare thorns. They are native to lowland subtropical rainforests of Northern NSW and Queensland.

The fruit is high in vitamin C and the skin can be used to heal cuts and wounds. Finger Lime fruit doesn’t ripen well off the tree, so pick only fully ripe fruit – these will feel full and detach easily. When opening the fruit, avoid getting oil from the rind onto the pearls, as this can affect the flavour.

GPL Cultivar.

GPL is a commercial high yielding finger lime variety, it is fast growing and vigorous. The GPL’s growth and appearance resembles a weeping willow. It would make for a great edible feature tree with highly aesthetic fruit.

About the Fruit.

Taste – Tart and tangy. Similar to that of regular limes, but slightly sweeter with floral notes.
Colour – Brown with dimpled green spots. Light pink pearls.
Size – 5-8cm, 30-40g
Season – February to April
Shelf Life – 2 weeks refrigerated
Uses – Best in salads, seafood, desserts and on avocado.

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Cutting Grown Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Finger Limes prefers warm, subtropical to tropical climates. Tolerates mild frost but may need protection in cold areas. Can be grown in pots in cooler climates and moved indoors during winter. Thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily). Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water deeply once or twice a week, more in hot weather. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Pests and Diseases: Monitor your plant for pests.

Aphids, mites, and scale: These sap-sucking pests can be controlled with organic sprays. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil 

Fruit flies: These pests lay eggs in ripening fruit, so it’s important to collect and dispose of fallen fruit 

Citrus gall wasps: These wasps lay eggs in young branches, causing swollen lumps to appear 

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

• We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

• We cannot ship this species Internationally.

• We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

Want to see more Finger Lime cultivars? Have a look at these

Citrus australasica (Red Champagne Finger Lime) Plant

Citrus australasica (BXL Finger Lime) Plant