Why not grow Australian citrus as well as the usual lemons, limes and oranges. The 'Australian Sunrise lime' is a cross between the Australian Calamondin (a cross between Mandarin and Cumquat) and the Finger Lime. A pear shaped fruit that is great for marmalade. 'Australian Red Centre' is a cross between a mandarin and finger Lime.
Finger Lime 'Rainforest Pearl' is a new release grafted Australian native grows as a small evergreen tree, tall, narrow wioth open form from 4 - 6m tall. Foliage is small, dark glossy green with a purple flush to the new growth. Fruit is finger shaped and sized and matures late summer and autumn. the skin colour ripens from purple to green or pink. The pulp is green/pink coloured. Compressed within the fruit are separate rounded pulp-vesicles which burst like 'pearls' or caviar when the limes are cut. Fabulous in drinks!
Position: Suitable for a small garden or large pot. Full sun or part shade and good drainage are required. trees are moderately drought and frost tolerant.
Care: Plant with the graft union at least 10cm above soil level. remove flowers and fruit for the first two years to allow the plant to develop. Feed late winter and spring with organic fertilisers. water well during new growth flush, flowering and fruit set. Prune to shape in the initial stage only.
Troubleshooting: Prevent insects by spraying with a pest oil or EcoOil every 2 weeks.
Other varieties to look out for:
*Alstonville - Green/Brown and seedless
*Pink Ice - Clear to pink coloured fruit
*Judy's Everbearing - Light Green to pink
*Sneak Peak - Keep an eye out next year for a new range of native limes from Eyles Citrus (The people who bought you the Splitzer and the Pipsqueak)
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