Native lime, Round lime, Australian round-lime, Gympie lime
Citrus australis

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub. They grow 9-18 m tall and spread 2-5 m across. It has a dense canopy of leaves. The branches are thorny. The leaves are 0.5-5.5 cm long by 0.5-3 cm wide. They are oval and leathery. They are dark green above and paler underneath. The edges are wavy towards the tip. The flowers are 1 cm across. They are white or pink and have a scent. They occur singly in the axils of leaves. Fruit are 2.5-8 cm across. They have rough greenish yellow skin. The pulp of the fruit is pale green. The skin is up to 7 mm thick.

There are 5 Microcitrus species.

Where it is found

It occurs naturally in south east Queensland in Australia. It grows in lowland subtropical rainforest. They need excellent drainage. They can tolerate light frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The acid pulp of the fruit can be used to make drinks or marmalade.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They can be grown from cuttings on a heat bed but rooting is slow and can take 6 months. They can be budded onto citrus rootstocks. Because the buds are small this takes some skill to be successful.

Plants are slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Citrus australis (A. Cunn. ex Mudie) Planch.; Limonia australis A. Cunn. ex Mudie; Microcitrus australis (A. Cunn. ex Mudie) Swingle;