Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Citrus
Species: C. medica
Variety: C. medica var. sarcodactylis
Trinomial name: Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
Common names: Buddha's hand, Fingered Citron
Citrus medica var.sarcodactylis is a shrub or small tree with long, irregular branches covered in thorns. Its large, oblong leaves are pale green and grow > 15 cm. Its white flowers are tinted purplish from the outside and grow in fragrant clusters.
It produces deep lemon yellow fruits that vary in shape and size. The fruit splits at the opposite end of the tree's stem forming segments that have a wild finger-like appearance, hence its given name Buddha's hand. The fruit flesh is void of juice, pulp and seeds, rendering it inedible. The only culinary use is its oily rind which is powerfully fragrant and aromatic and utilised for its zesting properties. The flavour is described as a unique blend of bitter and sweet, similar to kumquats and tangerines, with lavender notes and a bright lemon highlight.
The fruit is very fragrant and is used predominantly in China, Malaysia and Japan for perfuming rooms and personal items such as clothing.
Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
