What Is a Finger Lime?
The finger lime (Microcitrus australasica) is a native Australian rainforest citrus from the subtropical ranges of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. Unlike conventional citrus, its juice sacs are round and pearl-like, bursting individually when bitten. Chefs call them "citrus caviar." Collectors call them essential.
The fruit ranges from 4 to 12 cm long with skin colours spanning green, yellow, red, black, and pink depending on variety. The flesh inside comes in matching colour variations: green, yellow, pink, or red. This visual diversity is a big part of why finger lime collectors chase specific named varieties rather than generic seedlings.
As a garden tree, finger lime grows as a dense, thorny shrub or small tree (3 to 6 metres, easily kept smaller with pruning). It tolerates shade but produces heavier crops in full sun. It is well-suited to subtropical, tropical, and warm temperate climates and is increasingly grown in WA home gardens.
Native plant: Finger lime is one of six native Australian citrus species and is the most commercially significant. It is actively farmed for export, used in high-end restaurants, and its caviar-like juice vesicles have made it a global gourmet ingredient.
Finger Lime Varieties Available in Australia
Named varieties matter for finger limes. Seedling-grown trees vary widely in fruit quality, colour, and yield. Grafted or cutting-grown named varieties produce predictable fruit that matches the parent. Below are the varieties currently stocked by Australian nurseries tracked on treestock.com.au.
Additional varieties tracked: Emma, Gold Finger, Rainforest Pearl, Purple, Pink Ice, D'Emerald (Fat Black), Jali Red, Giant Jali Red, Gold Pearl, Jasper Jade, Little Ruby, BXL, Rosebank Red, Mt White, Russell River. See the live tracker for current availability.
Finger Lime Tree Price Guide
Finger lime prices range from around $5 for small cutting-grown plants to $170 for a large potted specimen from a local nursery. The main factors driving price are propagation method (cutting, grafted, or seedling), pot size, and variety.
The cheapest way to buy a named variety. These are young plants propagated from cuttings, which means they are true-to-name but will take longer to establish and fruit than grafted trees. Fruit Tree Lane sells named varieties from $5.50 in 50mm pots.
The most common price range. Grafted trees fruit faster than seedlings (2 to 3 years vs 5 to 7 from seed). Daleys, Ross Creek, Fruitopia, and most other nurseries sell the bulk of their stock in this range.
Well-established trees that may fruit in their first or second season. Guildford Garden Centre (WA) sells most varieties at $89.99. Ross Creek and Fruitopia stock larger grafted trees around $59 to $75.
Fruit Salad Trees sells a finger lime + lemon multi-graft for $119.95. Perth Mobile Nursery carries advanced potted finger limes at $169.90 for local Perth delivery. These are mature trees likely to produce fruit quickly.
Current Prices by Nursery
| Nursery | Price range | Varieties | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daleys Fruit Trees | $19.75 to $59 | 6+ | Ships WA (seasonal window, ~$25 extra) |
| The Diggers Club | $25 | 3 | Ships nationwide |
| Fruit Tree Lane | $5.50 to $25 | 10+ | No WA/NT/TAS |
| Fruitopia | $34.95 to $74.95 | 14+ | No WA/NT/TAS |
| Ross Creek Tropicals | $19.90 to $69.90 | 20+ | No WA/NT/TAS |
| Ladybird Nursery | $39 to $79 | 25+ | No WA/NT/TAS |
| Guildford Garden Centre | $89.99 | 5 | WA only (Perth area) |
| Fruit Salad Trees | $84.95 to $119.95 | 2 | Ships WA (1st Tue/month) |
| Perth Mobile Nursery | $169.90 | 1 | Perth metro delivery only |
Prices updated daily from nursery websites. Check the live tracker for current availability.
Where to Buy Finger Lime Trees in Australia (by State)
Finger lime is subject to citrus biosecurity restrictions in some states, particularly WA, NT, and TAS. Many QLD-based nurseries can only ship within QLD, NSW, VIC, and ACT. Here is what is available by state.
Buying Finger Limes in Western Australia
WA residents face the most restrictions but still have good options. The key nurseries for WA buyers are:
- Guildford Garden Centre (Perth): In-person and potentially local delivery. Carries Alstonville, Byron Sunrise, Green Sapphire, Judy's Everbearing, and Little Ruby at $89.99 each.
- Perth Mobile Nursery: Perth metro delivery. Large potted specimen at $169.90.
- Daleys Fruit Trees: Ships to WA during a seasonal quarantine window (usually spring). Expect an extra delivery fee of around $25 or more. Carries 6 varieties from $19.75.
- The Diggers Club: Ships nationwide. Three varieties at $25 each (Rough Green, BXL, Rosebank Red).
- Fruit Salad Trees: Ships to WA on the first Tuesday of each month. Finger Lime ($84.95) and Finger Lime + Lemon multi-graft ($119.95).
WA quarantine: Citrus plants entering WA must come from nurseries registered with the WA Department of Agriculture (DPIRD). Only buy from nurseries that explicitly confirm they can ship to WA. The nurseries listed above are verified to do so.
Growing Finger Limes in Australia
Climate
Finger limes are native to subtropical and warm temperate rainforest. They perform best in areas with warm to hot summers and mild winters. They tolerate light frosts once established but are damaged by heavy frosts. Suitable for:
- Subtropical Queensland, NSW north coast: ideal
- Sydney and coastal NSW: excellent, minimal frost protection needed
- Melbourne and VIC: grows well in sheltered positions, protect from heavy frost
- Perth (WA): well-suited, Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers
- Adelaide and SA: suitable in most areas
- Tropical QLD and NT: can grow but may struggle with waterlogging in wet season
Soil and Position
Plant in free-draining soil. Finger lime is particularly sensitive to waterlogged roots. Raised garden beds, mounds, or sandy-loam soils with added organic matter are ideal. A sunny position produces heavier crops, though the plant tolerates semi-shade. In pots, use a quality citrus potting mix and ensure excellent drainage.
Grafted vs Cutting-Grown vs Seedling
Most nurseries sell either grafted or cutting-grown plants (and occasionally seeds or seedlings):
- Grafted trees: Fruit in 2 to 3 years. True-to-variety. Usually the best choice if you want fruit quickly. Slightly more expensive.
- Cutting-grown plants: True-to-variety but slower to establish than grafted. Cheaper. Fruit Tree Lane specialises in cutting-grown plants.
- Seedlings: May take 5 to 7 years to fruit. Fruit may not match the parent variety. Only buy if you are experimenting or price is the primary constraint.
Pests and Disease
Main threats are scale insects (armoured scale, soft scale) and bronze orange bug. Standard citrus spray programs apply. In WA, the citrus gall wasp is a biosecurity concern. Inspect imported trees carefully and comply with DPIRD advice on disposal of any affected material.
Harvesting
Finger limes typically fruit autumn through winter (March to August in most Australian climates). The fruit does not change colour when ripe on most varieties. Harvest when the fruit detaches easily with a gentle twist. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze the juice vesicles for up to six months.
Patience required: Finger lime is a slow-growing tree. Even grafted plants typically need 2 to 3 years before their first meaningful crop. The reward is a long-lived productive tree that is essentially pest-and-disease-resistant once established.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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