Australian desert lime (Citrus glauca)

Australian desert lime

Australian desert lime is a resilient, small to medium-sized bushy tree thriving in arid environments. Its distinctive, dull blue-green foliage and sparse thorns adapt well to hot, dry climes. Bearing round, yellow-green fruits resembling small oranges, australian desert lime's thick-skinned offerings are tart in taste, yet valued for their high vitamin C content and use in preserves.

Scientific classification

Species

Australian desert lime (Citrus glauca)

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

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Tree

Plant Type

10 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Australian desert lime

Care Guide for Australian desert lime

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Australian desert lime thrives in moist soil but is drought tolerant; avoid waterlogged conditions. Water deeply in spring and weekly during budding. Ensure well-drained soil during rain to prevent bud drop, and increase watering in dry conditions to prevent fruit loss.

Fertilize: To enhance fruit quality for australian desert lime, apply fertilizer every 1-2 months in spring and summer, and every 2-3 months in fall and winter. Use phosphorus-rich fertilizer (N-P-K = 10-30-20) during blooming, and nitrogen/potassium-rich (N-P-K = 18-10-20) when fruiting. Prior to winter, dig a trench and apply organic fertilizer.

Pruning: Australian desert lime thrives with selective pruning in early spring by removing dead or damaged branches, improving air circulation, and promoting healthy growth. This practice enhances fruit production, encourages manageable shapes, and reduces disease risk, leading to a more productive plant.

Propagation: Propagate australian desert lime via grafting or aerial layering in spring. For grafting, use a 5 cm twig on a 10-15 cm rootstock. For layering, peel a 2-3 cm bark strip from a 1-2-year-old branch, cover with soil, and maintain moisture. Roots develop in 40-60 days.

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