Lemon tree ‘Mano de Buda’, a very striking tree

Few citrus trees (and, indeed, few trees) command as much attention as the Buddha’s Hand lemon tree . When I saw it for the first and only time in a nursery, I was amazed. I had already seen it in photos on the internet, but seeing it in person was incredible. Although the price of it certainly disappointed me deeply: 200 euros were asking 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 a good growth. In addition, its maintenance is really very simple . Do you want to meet him? 

Index

  • 1 Origin and characteristics of the ‘Mano de Buda’ lemon tree
  • 2 What are your cares?

Origin and characteristics of the ‘Mano de Buda’ lemon tree

Young tree of Citrus medica var.  sarcodactylis

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 citron. It grows to a maximum height of 5 meters, with a crown made up of long, irregular branches covered with thorns . Its leaves are long, oblong, with a size of 10 to 15 centimeters.

In spring, its fragrant white flowers bloom in clusters . Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to ripen, which has a thick skin and a small amount of acid pulp. It has no juice, nor sometimes seeds. It also gives off a very pleasant aroma, so much so that it is used to perfume rooms.

What are your cares?

Ripe Buddha's Hand Lemon

If you get hold of a specimen, provide it with these cares so that it grows well:

  • Location : outside, in full sun or semi-shade.
  • Soil or substrate : it must have good drainage and be rich in organic matter. Due to its size, it can be grown without problems in a pot with a universal growing medium mixed with 30% perlite .
  • Watering : three or four times a week in summer, and every 5-7 days the rest of the year. Waterlogging must be avoided.
  • Fertilizer : from the beginning of spring to the end of summer/beginning of autumn, it should be fertilized with organic fertilizers , such as manure , guano , egg and banana peels… In the case of having it in a pot, liquid fertilizers should be used.
  • Pests and diseases : the same ones that the common lemon tree can have. 
  • Planting or transplanting time : in spring. It requires a change of pot every 2 years.
  • Rusticity : withstands mild and punctual frosts of up to -2ºC.

Have you ever seen the ‘Buddha’s Hand’ lemon tree?

Lemon tree ‘Mano de Buda’, a very striking tree

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