Russell River Lime, North Queensland lime, Large leaf Australian wild lime
Citrus inodora

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 2-6 m tall and spreads 2-4 m wide. It has a bushy habit. The branches are thorny. There are two spines at the base of the leaf stalk. The leaves are 5-20 cm long by 4-10 cm wide. They are broadly oval and thick and leathery. They are dark green above and paler underneath. The leaves have shallow rounded teeth along the edge. The tip is blunt. The flowers are 1 cm across and white or pink. They grow in the axils of leaves. The flower does not have a smell. The fruit are oval and green. They are 6.5 cm long by 3 cm wide. They are yellow when mature.

There are 5 Microcitrus species. There are 20 Citrus species. Several hybrids have been formed.

Where it is found

It grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It occurs naturally in northeast Queensland. It grows in lowland rainforest. It needs well drained soil and a sheltered position. Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit have an edible pulp which can be used for drinks or marmalade.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh 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.

Its other names

Local names

Maiden's Australian wild lime

Synonyms

Citrus maideniana Domin; Microcitrus inodora (F. M. Bailey) Swingle; Microcitrus maideniana (Domin) Swingle; Pleurocitrus inodora (F. M. Bailey) Tanaka;