Native Limes

Plant Description

Australia has a few Citrus species. The most commonly known is the Finger Lime, Citrus australasica. Its common name is derived from the slender finger like shape of the fruit. It grows naturally in South East Queensland and North East New South Wales.

Citrus australis, Round lime, is also cultivated, its common name arising from its shape also. The plant is endemic to South East Queensland.

Citrus glauca, Desert Lime, grows in drier areas of Queensland and NSW. It produces small, round, yellow green fruit.

Russell River Lime and Mount White Lime are two others from Northern Queensland. All native species are small trees with fragrant citrus flowers and very thorny branches.

Usage

Early settlers used these plants as fresh fruit, drinks, jams, and marmalades.

Different varieties of the finger lime have been developed, having different skin colurs and flesh colours. It has also been hybridised with other non-native citrus species.

Finger Limes, Round Limes, and Desert Limes are used in the Bush Food Industry today. They are used for their citrus flavour and colours in juices, desserts, sauces, and decorative toppings. Desert Lime was favoured plant among settlers in the areas in which it grew.

Round Lime.