Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis Digitata - Citron - Buddha’s Hand

The origin of the citron ‘Buddha’s Hand’ (Citrus medica 'Digitata', Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) is most likely East- or South- East Asia. It still is very common in China and Japan where it is used for religious ceremonies. Not surprisingly, since the shape of its fruit is not all that’s unusual: the peel is very fragrant like a multi-faceted sweet-flowery perfume, that you would normally not associate with a citrus fruit. Even without touching or rubbing it, the dried peel gives off its nice fragrance and keeps vermin away. Already young fruits are fanned out in many arms that grow to ‘fingers’ when the fruit ripens. Usually, the fruit develops more than five extensions, giving it a bizarre and unique look, since every fruit is different. The flowers are large (3.5 - 4 cm) and buds like young leaves are covered in a purple gleam. When cultivated in containers, main bloom is in spring or late summer. However, flowers may also appear in summer. The relationship to lemon with their need for warmth can clearly be seen in its habitat. Buddha’s Hand grows strong branches that branch out moderately. It doesn’t grow very tall, which is a clear advantage if you want to plant it into a pot.

Quality: unusually shaped, finger- like fruits with intensly fragrant peel; fragrant flowers; fragrant, shiny and evergreen leaves.

Use: In pots starting from April outside on balcony & terrace, during winter in moderate quarters or winter garden or all year round in a heated greenhouse or bright rooms.