One of the more popular hybrid native citrus is “Red Centre” or The Australian Blood Lime which is actually a hybrid between ‘Citrus x limonia’ and a red finger lime ‘Citrus australasica var. sanguinea’ developed by the CSIRO some 20 years ago. Wonderful red skin, red pulp and when juiced produces a light pink juice.
Harvesting the Australian Blood Lime can be a little tricky due to the thorns, you will need to be careful when picking to avoid scratches.
If left to its own growth habit the tree will send out long arching canes, best planted in an open position for ease of picking the fruit. The appearance of the tree is attractive and it could be a feature in a native garden.
How to Grow the Australian Blood Lime or The Red Centre Lime – BasicCare
This is a tree that fruits in the winter and ripen over 3 months to mid spring. The Australian Blood Lime is a dense grower reaching around 3m in height depending on conditions. Attractive green foliage although it does have thorns. A sunny position to just a little light afternoon shade in a well drained soil, humus rich and similar to other citrus trees.
- Choose a sunny open position.
- A well drained soil is essential
- Weed the area well and dig over the soil.
- A planting hole should be twice the diameter of the pot the Red Centre Lime is in.
- Plant and water in.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool root run.
Pruning
Pruning will be required to maximise fruit size and production. The fruit does form on last seasons growth, so the timing of pruning is important in terms of fruit production.
Australian Blood Lime Information Summary
- Height – To 3 metres
- Spread – To 2 metres
- Position – Full sun.
- Soil – Well drained humus rich.
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Fruit – Egg shaped and red when ripe. Gives a pink juice with good acidity. Seeds are small.