Lima do Deserto - Citrus glauca

Citrus glauca is also known as the Desert Lime, and this cultivar in the Citrus Gems range provides abundant yields and can withstand difficult conditions, particularly dry conditions, as this species originates in the Australian desert.

In its native habitat it also grows on heavy clay soils, so makes a wonderful plant for those situations where little else will thrive, and with the added bonus of delicious, unique fruits! This grafted cultivar also allows you to grow this desert plant in the wetter conditions of coastal regions.

The foliage is elongated and pale green, making it an attractive plant for the garden too. The stems have thorns to protect the fruits in their native habitat, but this means the trees also provide shelter for birds.

The fruits resemble small lemons, with a strong, wild citrus flavour. The fruits have thin skins so can be made directly into preserves and pickles, and taste wonderful in drinks, as well as recipes needing a strong citrus flavour.

Scientific Name:         Citrus glauca

Family:            Rutaceae

Plant Type:      Small tree, Large shrub

Height:            3 ~ 7 metres

Width: 1 ~ 2 metre

Flower Colour:            White

Flowering Time:         Spring

Ph Level:         Acid, Neutral

Soil Type:        Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Poor soil

Plant Environment:    Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Container growing, Drought resistant

Climate Zone: Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Semi-arid, Arid

Light:   Sunny

Growth Habit: Evergreen

Lifespan:         Perennial

Soil Moisture: Dry, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance:         Tolerates light frost

Special Uses:   Edible, Bird nesting plant

Attracts Wildlife:        Bees, Other insects

Desert limes are the fruit from a tree species of true citrus, native to Australia - citrus glauca.

These trees evolved and occur naturally across the challenging outback. Trees exhibit interesting desert adaptation characteristics.  They are the quickest citrus species in the world to set fruit after flowering.

Desert lime trees are tolerant of heat, frost, drought and salinity. Fruit was eaten by aborigines and has been used by generations of outback people to make cordials, sauces, marmalades, pickles and chutneys. Jock says the fruit can be eaten straight from the tree in the wild but it is difficult to simultaneously eat desert limes and smile!

Cultivation of desert lime trees has been pioneered in Australia by the Douglas family at Roma Qld who propagated and planted a significant plantation of over 7,000 trees.

Under the trading name of Australian Desert Limes they marketed frozen whole limes, a range of value added conserves and cordial, and their proven selection of desert lime tree for home gardeners and commercial growers.