Characteristics, Benefits and Cultivation Tips of the Fingered Citron

The fingered citron is the fruit of the fingered citron plant (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), a member of the Rutaceae family and the Citrus genus. It gets its name because the tip of the fruit splits open and resembles outstretched fingers, and it is also often called Buddha's hand or five-finger citron. The ripe peel is golden yellow or yellow-green, with a rich, long-lasting fragrance; the flesh is scant and slightly bitter, and the fruit usually has no seeds or very few, so it is mainly grown for ornamental and medicinal purposes. In China, fingered citron is divided by growing region into types such as Guang fingered citron, Chuan fingered citron and Jinhua fingered citron; among them, Guang fingered citron comes from the Guangdong area, has large fruit and a strong fragrance, and is a traditional authentic variety. The fingered citron likes a warm, humid environment with plenty of light and has poor cold tolerance; it is suitable for planting in loose, fertile, well-drained slightly acidic soil, and it is cultivated in many provinces and regions of southern China. The fingered citron fruit has fairly wide uses. As a Chinese medicinal material, its dried fruit or slices are often used to regulate qi and resolve phlegm, and to soothe the liver and harmonise the stomach, helping to relieve discomfort such as chest tightness and poor appetite; as an ornamental plant, the ripe fruit is golden and remains on the plant for a long time, symbolising good fortune, and it is suitable for courtyard cultivation or growing in pots; in addition, it can be processed into foods such as fingered citron tea, candied fruit and fruit wine, and the volatile oil in the peel can also be used to extract natural essence. In terms of cultivation, the fingered citron is mostly propagated by cuttings, grafting and similar methods; during the growing season it needs an adequate supply of water and nutrients, and attention should be paid to controlling common pests and diseases such as anthracnose, aphids and red spider mites, while reasonable pruning and shaping help with ventilation, light penetration and fruiting. In winter, take care to protect it from the cold and keep it warm, to avoid fruit drop or frost damage to branches and leaves caused by low temperatures; only with proper management will it bear fruit every year and develop graceful beautiful fruit shapes.