Finger Limes are like our national treasure.
I always liken the little balls of tasty goodness to popping candy that I used to have as a kid.
Here’s this weird long fruit that you cut open to reveal what looks like caviar. You put these little balls of goodness on your tongue and a sweet Lime explosion happens in your mouth, giving a unique flavour sensation.
But to get to this amazing point we all need to remember the saying be thankful the thorn bush has roses!
To me Finger Lime bushes are spindly and exceptionally prickly. There really isn’t much more to say about their looks. As my mother always taught me if you can't say something nice, don't say anything!
As for care and attention, these guys are very hardy as long as you get it right! They Like a very warm protected position. This plant isn’t a fan of the cold and it also hates the burning sun. You have to remember that these plants are native to the rainforests of the border ranges of SE Queensland and Northern NSW.
I personally have found I can grow them better in a pot but I know a lovely family that is growing them by the tens at Pine Mountain in the ground.
They love a really nutrient dense soil so fertilise on the turn of every season with an excellent quality all round organic fertiliser like Organic Link.
Finger Lime Chartreuse
I have found it’s best to keep them trimmed as they can get a little, dare I say it, ugly !
White Autumn flowers are followed in Winter and Spring by slow-growing finger-shaped fruit containing glistening ‘citrus pearls’. The fruit is highly nutritious, rich in Vitamin C and high in antioxidants. 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.
Varieties Trevallan Stocks
Red Champagne variety of Finger limes produce fruit from December to March and they say the flavour is like spiced apple and apricot with a berry aroma... sounds like a good wine description!
Chartreuse has a subtle citrus flavour and is less bitter than other finger lime varieties. It has green fruit with a pale green/yellow flesh. It is said to be ideal for salads, desserts and seafood. Chartreuse has a long fruiting season
Byron Sunrise is a dark skinned finger lime with tangy light pink coloured citrus pearls that strengthen in flavour when the fruit is cut and exposed to the air.
Crystal variety has very large fruit and can be vigorous, enabling the possibility of high yields per tree. The fruit is green skin with light green vesicles, bursting with flavour.
Seriously while these plants aren’t the prettiest plants they have a unique look that can work in many garden designs especially as containerised feature trees. Come into Trevallan today and get your own native fruit tree!