Finger Lime

Finger-Lime

Botanical name: Citrus australasica
Common name: Finger Lime

General features: The citrus australasica is a thorny shrub with a natural bushy habit. Its leaves are glossy green in the upper part, paler in the lower part. They are more rounded in shape and smaller than other citrus fruits and are alternate on the branches, very numerous, with a crenate margin and pointed apex. The flowers are numerous and delicate, when ripe they are white but not very fragrant. The fruits are cylindrical, 5-10 cm long and sometimes slightly curved. They have a smooth or slightly corrugated skin which can be of various colours, from brown to green.

Curiosity: The finger lime is best known and appreciated for the contents of its fruits, inside composed of hundreds of small vesicles that recall caviar to the eye. They are very juicy and, once chewed, they give off a strong flavour, that resembles the sour and intense flavour of lemons. This is why this fruit is also known as 'lemon caviar', appreciated by chefs and foodies.

Ornamental virtues: The finger lime plant does not take up much space, it is perfect for growing in pots, gardens and terraces and has a very original exotic look for decorative purposes.

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