Australian Native Citrus

Botanical Note
Most authorities now say Microcitrus and Eremocitrus have been officially re-classified as Citrus - the genus from which they were taxonomically separated many years ago. As this seems to be the current trend, I am gradually changing over the names on this web-site.

However, in some ways the old classification was useful. Most Australian native varieties do have 'micro' features, but to me another distinguishing aspect is the remarkable change in leaf shape from juvenile to mature plant. But the ability to interbreed or hybridize with true citrus, plus the existence of types with intermediate features, indicates to botanists that the separation is artificial.

A comparison between a clementine leaf and a Citrus australasica leaf.
The name 'Microcitrus' was used with some justification!

Here in England I am growing potted specimens of most of the following Australian varieties. Many are seedlings, but some are from budwood of mature fruiting plants. Click the buttons below for more information on these varieties. Equivalent former names and common names are also shown where appropriate.

The Finger lime and the Desert lime in particular hybridise easily with the traditional 'true' citrus varieties. There are several named varieties, and some are starting to be grown commercially in Australia .Click here for details.
The Sydney Hybrid, a cross between the Finger lime and the Round lime was originally grown from seed sent from Sydney Botanic Gardens to Washington, USA. A specimen of the variety is still growing in the Palm Grove in Sydney Botanic gardens, although no-one seems to know its exact origins. It produces 'fat-fingered fruit'!

page updated 12th January 2006

Have a look at the botanical drawing comparing fruit of some of these.

These leaves are all from one plant of C. x virgata, and show the change from juvenile to mature leaf shape