Maroon Gem finger lime

Australian finger lime
Microcitrus australasica

CRC 4291
VI 1477
PI 706697
RRUT 573

Source

Received as open-pollinated seed material from New South Wales, Australia, 2012.

Parentage/origins

Open-pollinated seedling of 'Blunobia pink crystal.'

Rootstocks of accession

Citrus macrophylla

Season of ripeness at Riverside

Year round; peak fruit production is October to December

Season of flowering at Riverside

February to April

Notes and observations

11/2020: Part of a group of three open-pollinated seed lots of Australian finger lime cultivars, 'Blunobia Pink Crystal', 'Byron Sunrise', and 'Judy's Everbearing', selected by Judy Viola or colleagues. Approximately 100 seeds of each seed lot was received, planted, and germinated in the greenhouse at USDA NCGRCD. June 2014, 40 seedlings from each seed lot was selected and budded onto Citrus macrophylla rootstock. Trees were planted in 2016 in the Citrus Variety Collection, 12D block. Annual fruit quality evaluations were performed on seedlings in 2018. Tree health ratings were performed annually. In the Riverside climate, it was determined that sampling was ideal in October and November, excluding any additional crop bearing later in season. Data and progress on evaluations presented at AFL virtual event at California Citrus Nurserymen meeting 11/2020. Participants in AFL virtual event asked to participate in rating most promising AFL selections. All 18 selections presented were favored and requested for clean-up and release. (AFL virtual event presentation, RRK)

09/2025: Selections made from initial 2018-2020 years of evaluations continued for fruit quality evaluations and tree health ratings until 2022. Formally submitted to CCPP in 2021, with exception of one genotype that declined in field. USDA NCGRCD formally published release of 17 AFL selections.

Description from USDA NCGRCD Release

Seedling P2014-175-19. The tree is rated small in size with a dense canopy and spreading growth habit. Budunion with Citrus macrophylla is smooth and no suckering has been observed. The fruit set is considered moderate. Branches bear many single spines, typical of Microcitrus australasica, averaging 9.87 mm in length. Mature leaves average 14.25 mm x 6.80 mm. The leaf shape is obovate, with a cuneate base. The leaf apex is retuse. The leaf margin is unevenly dentate. Flowers and fruit are borne singly in leaf axils on short stout pedicels 1-5 mm long. The fruit shape is slightly curved. Mature fruit have an external color ranging from medium red to dark red and weigh an average of 17.97 g at maturity. Mature fruit ranges from 6.88-8.02 cm in length and 1.95-2.12 cm in width at maturity. The number of locules per fruit range from 5 to 6. Pulp vesicles are pink-red to red. Seeds are numerous.