Citrus with a twist

Story by Roger Fox

Discover quirky and unusual citrus varieties that are great for home gardeners. By planting citrus trees on the cusp of spring, they’ll get off to a great start before summer arrives.

There’s something satisfying about being able to harvest your own fruit whenever you feel like it. But if your citrus adventures only run to oranges and lemons, then it might be time to broaden your horizons. There are all sorts of unusual (even quirky) citrus varieties to choose from and, with many of them appearing as ingredients in restaurant dishes and gourmet recipes, there’s an extra incentive to grow your own supply.

**Finger limes (Citrus australasica)**

The narrow cylindrical fruit of this Australian native citrus, which can be green, yellow or dark red in colour, are filled with a unique pulp, which looks like little beads or pearls. Sometimes referred to as ‘lime caviar’ among foodies, they release a refreshing burst of flavour in the mouth. The dense, shrubby trees are spiny with tiny leaves, and they provide protection for nesting birds. The trees can grow 2–5m high but are easily kept smaller with regular pruning. Although they are native to subtropical rainforests of north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland, grafted cultivars can tolerate mild frosts once they are established.

Finger limes Gardening Australia magazine August issue — Photo credit: Shutterstock

**Tangelo (Citrus x tangelo)**

With a thin rind and very juicy fruit, tangelos are a cross between a pomelo and a mandarin. Almost neon orange in colour, the fruit are distinguished by a small nipple-like protrusion at the top, where they attach to the stem. With a flavour profile of sweet but tart, they’re delicious eaten fresh, juiced or even made into marmalade. They grow into a bushy medium-sized tree, 4–10m high, and will tolerate light frosts.

**Pomelo (Citrus maxima)**

One of the parents of the grapefruit (the other is the orange), pomelos are the largest members of the citrus family. Individual fruit can reach up to 30cm wide and weigh 3kg or more. The thick, aromatic rind is used in marmalades, while the flesh can be eaten raw or added to salads. Native to Asia, pomelos grow into large trees, at least 10m high, and thrive in warm, sunny spots. They’ll tolerate light frost in winter.