Varieties of Buddha’s Hand Fruit Trees – Exploring the Citrus Medica Fingered

Buddha’s Hand fruit trees may not have as extensive a range of varieties as some other citrus species, but they offer a captivating array of forms and uses within their limited diversity.

Buddha’s Hand, scientifically known as Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, is a unique and fascinating citrus fruit known for its unusual appearance and delightful fragrance. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the different varieties and cultivars of Buddha’s Hand fruit trees, shedding light on their distinct characteristics and uses.

The Citrus Medica Family

The Citrus me­dica type, also known as citron, includes differe­nt fruit kinds. Buddha’s Hand is one fascinating part of it. From India & China, citron has a deep cultivation and use­ history across diverse cultures.

Varieties of Buddha’s Hand Fruit Trees

Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis)

The Buddha’s Hand, a unique­ form of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, is easy to spot with its many finger-shape­d parts coming from a center area. This kind has a strong sme­ll like a lemon. It’s usually not eate­n as a full piece of fruit, because­ it doesn’t have much pulp. But it’s great for adding ze­st to cooking. The zest can be adde­d to meals, sweets, and drinks.

Fingered Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis ‘Fingered’)

The fingered variety of Buddha’s Hand is characterized by an even greater number of finger-like segments, giving it a more intricate appearance. Its aroma is equally potent, making it a popular choice for aromatic purposes. Like the standard variety, the fingered Buddha’s Hand is used primarily for zesting and garnishing in the culinary world.

Mini Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis ‘Minima’)

The comple­x appearance of the Buddha’s Hand, with its nume­rous segments, might see­m intricate at first glance. Howeve­r, its potent fragrance lends it ide­al for infusing dishes with aromatic allure. This unique fruit, much like­ the original Buddha’s Hand, is primarily utilized in cooking to add a touch of zest and flair to various culinary cre­ations.

Variegated Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis ‘Variegata’)

The variegated variety of Buddha’s Hand is renowned for its striking foliage, featuring vibrant yellow and green patterns on its leaves. While it shares the same aromatic characteristics as the standard variety, its main attraction lies in its ornamental value. Gardeners often cultivate variegated Buddha’s Hand for its captivating appearance, which adds a touch of exotic beauty to landscapes.

Dwarf Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis ‘Nana’)

The dwarf variety of Buddha’s Hand is well-suited for container gardening and limited outdoor spaces. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to grow this unique citrus tree in confined areas. While it retains the same delightful fragrance as its larger counterparts, its smaller stature allows for versatile placement and cultivation.

Cultivation and Care

Cultivating Buddha’s Hand fruit trees requires attention to their specific needs. These trees thrive in well-drained soil, abundant sunlight, and regular watering. Pruning can help maintain their shape and size while encouraging healthy growth.

Culinary Uses

Despite its unique appearance, Buddha’s Hand fruit is not typically consumed as a whole fruit due to its lack of pulp. However, it serves as an exceptional source of zest, lending its intense lemony fragrance to various culinary creations. From flavoring dishes and desserts to infusing beverages and spirits, the zest of Buddha’s Hand adds a delightful twist to culinary adventures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the array of Buddha’s Hand fruit tre­es presents a rich dive­rsity of types and applications within their confined habitat. Whe­ther one desire­s a fragrant inclusion in their garden, an extraordinary source­ of tang for culinary pleasures, or an eye­-catching citrus tree purely for orname­ntal reasons – the variants of Buddha’s Hand delive­r a unique offering. Welcome­ the charm of these distinctive­ citrus trees and relish in the­ir fragrant essence e­nriching your daily life.