James H. Schutte
Family
Rutaceae
Botanical Name
CITRUS medica var. sarcodactylis
Plant Common Name
Buddha's Hand, Fingered Citron
General Description
Beautiful and unusual, Buddha’s hand is grown for its large, yellow fruit that looks like it has fingers at the base. Intensely fragrant fruit, leaves and flowers distinguish this ancient citrus. Citron is believed to be the first citrus in cultivation, and has been used both for food and medicine. Today, it is eaten candied in fruitcakes and holiday breads. The true origin of this citron is unknown, but like most Citrus it is probably from the northwestern reaches of India. There have been seeds of this fruit found in archeological excavations that are about 4000 years old. Citrus medica arrived in the United States with Spanish explorers and commercial production began in California in the late 1800s.
Citron is a shrub or small tree which is evergreen and slow-growing. Its stiff twigs and branches are spiny and covered with strongly fragrant, elliptical to lance-shaped leaves that are much like those on lemon trees. The new leaves are purple hued and mature to dark green. The flowers are borne throughout the year but appear most abundantly from midwinter to spring. The fragrant flowers are light purple or red in bud and open to white.
Citron fruit is large and variable in shape and size. Generally it is oval, oblong or elliptical and has a very thick, leathery, yellow skin that may be rough or smooth. The base of the fruit has long, finger-like appendages with little or no flesh. The base of the fruit may have a bit of juiceless pulp. These ripen individually and are harvested by hand as they mature. Many can produce fruit throughout the year, but most ripen from early summer through fall. Unlike most citrus, they are not grafted onto rootstocks.
Citron plants are more cold sensitive than other Citrus. They prefer full sun, well-drained soil and areas with warm, dry winters and cool summers. The trees are somewhat drought tolerant once established but must have regular water for good fruit production. Citrus trees are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization. Citrons are often pruned so the branches are low or close to the ground. This is due to the large, heavy fruit which often bend branches to the ground and require staking for support.
Grow citron trees in subtropical and tropical yards and orchards. They also make great container-grown patio or conservatory specimens. These fruits are a favorite in Asian kitchens and considered lucky.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m
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Width
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Winter, Late Winter, Indeterminate
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Native To
Southern Asia, India, Melanesia, Australia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Purple
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Fruit Color
Yellow
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Tan, Brown, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Houseplant, Shade Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
