Australian Finger Lime Tree | Unique Citrus Caviar Fruit

Australian Finger Lime

5 Gallon

$109.00

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Australian Finger Lime

Citrus australasica, Microcitrus australasica

Unique “Citrus Caviar“ Texture • Tart & Refreshing Flavor • Compact Gourmet Shrub

$109.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Australian Finger Lime is a captivating gourmet citrus, known as “citrus caviar“ for its unique pulp that bursts with tiny, pearl-like vesicles. This compact, thorny shrub offers a spectacular textural experience and a tart, refreshing flavor, making it a favorite of chefs and adventurous home gardeners.

Produces unique, finger-shaped fruit with a thin, green to yellow-brown skin.
The interior contains tiny, bead-like juice vesicles that separate easily and “pop“ with a tangy burst, resembling caviar.
Flavor is a refreshing blend of tart lime and subtle grapefruit notes, with a crisp, effervescent quality.
A self-pollinating, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with a dense, thorny habit, well-suited to containers or small gardens.
The vesicles are a stunning garnish for seafood, desserts, cocktails, and salads, adding both flavor and dramatic visual appeal.
Requires patience to establish but is relatively low-maintenance in suitable climates.

Flavor Profile:

Flavor: Bright, tart, and citrusy with nuances of lime and grapefruit. Less sour than a standard lime, with a clean finish.
Texture: The defining feature is the crunchy “pop“ of the individual juice vesicles, unlike any other citrus.
Best Uses: A premium garnish for oysters, ceviche, sushi, desserts, and cocktails. Also used in marmalades and vinaigrettes for its unique texture.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Small, round, deep green leaves; new growth emerges reddish-purple.Flowers: Delicate pinkish-white star-shaped blooms; fragrant and self-fertile.Fruit: Elongated finger-like capsules (2-3") with green-yellow rind; contains "citrus pearls".Habit: Compact, thorny evergreen with dense foliage
Mature Height: 6-8 ft
Mature Width: 5-6 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Unique "caviar" pulp texture (bursting juice vesicles).Complex flavor: tart lime with grapefruit undertones.Naturally seedless fruit.Drought and heat tolerant once establishe
Culinary Uses:Gourmet garnish for seafood, desserts, cocktails.Flavor enhancer for sauces, dressings.Premium ingredient in jams and marmalades
Landscape Uses:Container cultivation (excellent patio plant).Edible ornamental hedges.Tropical-themed gardens

Q: How do you eat a finger lime?A: Slice the fruit in half crosswise or lengthwise and gently squeeze the sides. The pearl-like vesicles will pop out. They are eaten directly as a garnish or topping, not typically juiced in the conventional way.
Q: Is it difficult to grow?A: It requires similar conditions to other citrus (full sun, well-drained acidic soil, frost protection). It is slower growing than some citrus and may take several years to begin fruiting heavily. Patience is rewarded.
Q: When is it ripe?A: The fruit is ripe when it feels slightly soft to the touch and the skin color changes from vibrant green to a more yellowish or brownish hue. The vesicles inside will be plump and easily released.