Lemon tree 'Buddha's Hand', a very striking tree

Few citrus fruits (and, indeed, few trees) attract as much attention as the lemon tree Buddha's hand. When I saw it for the first and only time in a nursery, I was in awe. I had already seen it in photos on the Internet, but seeing it in person was incredible. Although its price certainly disappointed me deeply: 200 euros asked for it, with a height of about 1,70 meters including the pot.

And it is such an extremely rare species that it seems that it can only be found at a good price in online stores; yes, very young specimens, but hey, it is a tree that, like all citrus, has good growth. What's more, its maintenance is really very simple. Would you like to meet him? 🙂

Origin and characteristics of the lemon tree 'Mano de Buda'

Our protagonist is a shrub or small evergreen fruit tree native to northeast India and China whose scientific name is Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis. It is popularly known as Buddha's Hand or as citron. It grows to a maximum height of 5 meters, with a crown formed by long, irregular branches covered with thorns.. Its leaves are long, oblong, with a size of 10 to 15 centimeters.

In spring their fragrant white flowers sprout in clusters. Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to ripen, which has a thick skin and a small amount of acidic pulp. It has no juice, or sometimes seeds. It also gives off a very pleasant aroma, so much so that it is used to perfume rooms.

What are their cares?

If you get a specimen, provide it with these care so that it grows well:

• Location: outdoors, in full sun or in semi-shade.
• Soil or substrate: must have good sewer system and be rich in organic matter. Due to its size, it can be had without problems in a pot with universal growing substrate mixed with 30% of perlite.
• Irrigation: three or four times a week in summer, and every 5-7 days the rest of the year. We must avoid waterlogging.
• Subscriber: from early spring to late summer / early fall must be paid with Organic fertilizersas manure, guano, egg and banana peels ... In the case of having it in a pot, liquid fertilizers should be used.
• Plagues and diseases: the same as the common lemon tree. You have more information here.
• Planting or transplanting time: in spring. It requires a pot change every 2 years.
• Rusticity: supports mild and occasional frosts down to -2ºC.

Have you ever seen the lemon tree 'Buddha's Hand?