Australian Red Lime

🌿 Australian Red Lime (Citrus × australasia)
🌍 Common Names:
Red Centre Lime

Blood Lime

Australian Red Finger Lime (in some references)

Citrus Red Hybrid

🔬 Origin:
The Australian Red Lime is a hybrid citrus, bred from:

Finger Lime (Citrus australasica) ×

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) or Ellendale Mandarin

It was developed as part of a breeding program by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia.

🌱 Plant Description:
Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree

Height: 2–4 meters (6–13 feet)

Growth Habit: Bushy, with dense foliage

Leaves: Small, dark green, aromatic citrus leaves

Thorns: Present but usually smaller than wild finger limes

Flowers: White to light pink, citrus-scented

🍋 Fruit Characteristics:
Feature Details
Shape Oval to oblong, egg-shaped
Size 3–5 cm in length
Skin Color Reddish to deep burgundy
Pulp Color Red to pink with juicy, soft vesicles
Flavor Tangy, slightly sweet, with hints of mandarin
Seeds Few to none (mostly seedless)

✅ Unique Trait:
The color and flavor are more intense than regular finger limes, making them popular in gourmet cuisine and as a vibrant fruit garnish.

🌤️ Growing Requirements:
Factor Requirement
Climate Subtropical to warm temperate (frost-sensitive)
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade
Soil Well-drained, sandy to loamy
Watering Regular; do not overwater
pH Level 5.5 – 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

🛠️ Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Light pruning to control shape and improve airflow

Mulching: Helps with water retention and weed control

Fertilizing: Use citrus-specific fertilizer in spring/summer

Pests: Can attract citrus psyllids, aphids, and scale insects

Frost Protection: May need covering in cooler climates

🪴 Container Growing:
Grows well in large pots (40–50 cm diameter)

Use quality potting mix with added perlite

Ensure proper drainage holes

Ideal for patios or balconies

🍽️ Culinary Uses:
Used in sauces, salads, seafood dishes, and cocktails

Excellent for marmalades and preserves

Adds vibrant color and citrus tang to desserts

✅ Summary:
Feature Description
Botanical Name Citrus × australasia
Hybrid Of Finger Lime × Mandarin
Fruit Color Deep red skin with red to pink pulp
Flavor Tangy-sweet, complex
Size Small, egg-shaped
Use Gourmet cuisine, ornamental fruiting shrub