Desert Lime
Eremocitrus Glauca (Family Rutaceae)
This
small, slender and spiny tree grows naturally over the inland dry
areas of south western Queensland and western NSW, with a small
pocket of habitat in the southern flinders Ranges in SA. It is a
true citrus with slender upward facing leaves, 5-8 mm across, and
white flowers produced in spring. The fruit are like tiny lemons
with a porous rind and juicy but sour centre. The trees often
appear in groups formed by suckering, particularly where heavy
grazing has occurred.
Desert Limes are normally slow growing, like most of the
Australian native Citrus species. However when grown in cultivation
they are usually grafted, which makes them faster maturing, more
productive and less likely to sucker.
Desert Limes were eaten raw by indigenous people, however most
Europeans found them a bit sour, and tended to use them for summer
drinks or marmalade jam. Increasingly, gourmet chefs have
discovered their unique wild lime flavour a welcome addition to
fish sauces, salad dressings, flavoured butter, and a multitude of
desserts. One favourite use is in Desert Lime Sorbet.