Australian finger lime

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Microcitrus australasica var. sanguinea
• Citrus australasica var. sanguinea
• Microcitrus australasica

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, it is further categorized under the family Rutaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Citrus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Australia, its natural habitat spans across the states of New South Wales and Queensland. Beyond the Australian continent, the species can also be found in Central America. Specifically, it is documented as growing within the borders of El Salvador. This varied range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in different tropical and subtropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Citrus australasica is characterized by a woody growth form that functions as both a tree and a shrub, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 6 m. As a terrestrial species, it is neither aquatic nor semiaquatic, nor does it exhibit epiphytic tendencies. The plant is self-supporting in its structure, lacking any climbing, liana, or vine-like characteristics, and it grows as an independent organism rather than a parasite. Its development is defined by a permanent woody constitution, supporting its upright and sturdy stature within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Citrus australasica is characterized by a specialized photosynthetic mechanism and distinct foliar morphology. As a C3 plant, its carbon fixation process relies on the enzyme Rubisco, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds. The vegetative structure is defined by its leaves, which exhibit significant dimensional variability; individual leaves typically measure between 1 cm and 5 cm in length. The width of these leaves is similarly variable, ranging from a minimum of 0.3 cm to a maximum of 2.5 cm, reflecting a morphological adaptation that supports its metabolic requirements and environmental interactions.

Leaf length max:

5 cm

Leaf length min:

1 cm

Leaf width max:

2.5 cm

Leaf width min:

0.3 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Citrus australasica is characterized by the development of a fleshy fruit classified as a berry, which serves as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal. This fruit type is notably indehiscent, meaning it does not split open at maturity to release its contents; instead, the seeds remain enclosed within the juice-filled pulp of the fruit until the outer layers decay or are consumed by animals. This reproductive strategy relies on the protection of the seeds within the moist, acidic interior of the berry, ensuring they are distributed through biotic vectors that consume the fruit.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Fruit type :

berry

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Citrus australasica has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Marmin, Narcissin, RUTIN, Xanthyletin, glycerol.

Marmin

1. Scientific reports

Narcissin

1. Scientific reports

RUTIN

1. Scientific reports

Xanthyletin

1. Scientific reports

glycerol

1. Scientific reports

lactic acid

1. Scientific reports

Activities

Citrus australasica has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.

Antimicrobial

1. Scientific reports

Conditions

Citrus australasica has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus

1. Scientific reports