Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Buddha’s Hand)

From Asian citron to Buddha’s Hand

Buddha’s Hand is a cultivated, finger-fruited group within Citrus medica and has no separate wild population. Citron itself is native from the western-central Himalaya to Myanmar and belongs to the subtropical biome. Berthe Hoola van Nooten published the fingered citron as Citrus sarcodactylis in 1863, and Walter T. Swingle later made the combination Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis in 1914.

Fingered citrons have been cultivated for centuries in China, Japan, Indochina and India. Chinese records and art reveal a long cultural history, and the plant was important in Fujian by at least the tenth century. Several distinct Chinese clonal groups exist, so the common name covers a horticultural group, not one universally identical clone. Its warm growing seasons and mild, cooler winters reflect subtropical citron ancestry, while the divided fruit is the product of horticultural selection.

Growing a container tree or shrub

Light

Buddha’s Hand needs intense sun to make sturdy wood and carry its large fingered fruit. Set it beside a sunny south- or south-west-facing window, adding a grow light if daylight does not reach the full crown.

Watering

Allow the surface of the potting mix to partially dry, then check below the surface and water only when the centre is no longer wet. Soak the pot completely and let all excess drain away.

Substrate and roots

Buddha’s Hand needs a fast-draining, structurally open citrus medium around its oxygen-demanding feeder roots. Use a loam-based or quality citrus substrate with fine bark and a generous share of pumice, lava or perlite.

Temperature

Stable, frost-free conditions support active growth and fruit development. Keep Buddha’s Hand bright and frost-free; it is less cold-tolerant than kumquat or sour orange, and cold, wet potting mix is especially risky.

Protecting Buddha’s Hand from stress

• Leaves blacken or stems die back after cold exposure: Buddha’s Hand is particularly frost-sensitive. Move it to a bright frost-free position, protect it from cold draughts and water cautiously until the pot warms and begins drying normally again. Wait until living tissue is obvious before cutting back damaged wood.
• Fruit divides into irregular fingers: The irregular fingered shape is the defining form of Buddha’s Hand. Keep the fruit unless the tissue becomes soft, wet, mouldy or develops spreading sunken lesions.
• Flowers or small fruit fall: Some thinning is normal, while a sudden heavy drop points towards drought, a temperature shock or failing roots. Feel the substrate below the surface and review recent changes in light, temperature and watering.
• Sticky leaves, cottony clusters or shell-like bumps develop: Inspect thorns, stems and leaf joints for mealybugs and scale. Separate Buddha’s Hand from nearby plants, gently remove insects you can see and treat the infestation with a product intended for indoor plants, following its directions. The scale guide explains how to check the sheltered areas where young insects can hide.

Keep Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Buddha’s Hand) away from pets

• The fruit flesh is edible, while leaves, peel and other plant material can irritate cats and dogs.
• These parts contain essential oils and psoralens that may cause vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness or skin irritation.
• Contact a veterinarian if a pet chews the plant or develops symptoms. Seek medical advice if a person becomes unwell after exposure.

Citrus medica: where the name comes from

Citrus is the classical Latin name used for citron and related citrus plants. Medica refers to ancient Media in Persia.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Citrus in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 782.

Carl Linnaeus first described Citrus medica in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 782.