Fingered citron

Buddha’s hand

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus

Fragrance takes shape

Shape: Fingered
Flesh: Almost absent
Fragrance: Intense

A living collection

Meet the tree

Buddha’s hand is a fragrant citron whose fruit separates into finger-like sections. Its remarkable shape makes it one of the most recognisable citrus in the garden.

The plant forms a small tree with long, irregular, often thorny branches. Its large, elongated green leaves frame clusters of scented flowers, with pale petals that can be flushed violet on the outside.

The thick, uneven rind contains most of the fruit’s aroma. Flesh is almost absent and seeds are generally lacking. Its fragrance has traditionally been enjoyed in rooms and on textiles in East Asia.

The rind is suited to candying, while the white pith can be milder than that of many other citrus. Thin slices can bring fragrance and texture to salads, desserts and other dishes. Here, form and aroma matter more than juice.

A citrus journey

Asia, a long history

Native region of the citron species, from the Himalayas to Myanmar. The precise origin of the fingered form is uncertain; it has a long history in East Asia.

The rhythm of the year

Variable ripening

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Harvest months not yet established

Fruit may appear at different times of year. A verified local calendar is not yet available for this specimen.

Weather, flowering and cultivation can shift these periods.

Here, in the garden

Look closely

Follow the fruit’s fingers with your eyes: they may spread out or remain closed. White pith, called albedo, fills almost all of their interior.

Sources & botanical notes

Adapted from the Villa Bizzarria citrus collection document, with botanical checks and the references below. Seasonal windows are reference observations, not a guarantee of ripe fruit at the villa.

Map: Natural Earth · simplified, indicative markers. Updated: 22.09.2026.