Buddha's Hand Citron

Buddha’s Hand is a fingered citron grown for its striking fruit and fragrant yellow rind. The fruit separates into finger-like sections and contains little or no juicy pulp, so it is valued for its appearance and aroma as much as for culinary zest. ## Fruit and form The [UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection](https://citrusvariety.ucr.edu/crc3768) identifies Buddha’s Hand as fingered citron, *Citrus medica* var. *sarcodactylis*, and describes a small, open, shrubby tree. Its yellow mature rind is highly fragrant, while the fruit’s interior is mostly white pith with little or no pulp. The [University of Florida IFAS guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1427) describes the finger-like fruit, evergreen habit, fragrant flowers and yellow aromatic rind. ## Growing site Give the tree a bright, sunny position with well-drained soil. It is very frost-sensitive, so use a large container in climates with freezing winters and move it to a protected, bright location before frost. The [Missouri Botanical Garden plant profile](https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?basic=citrus&isprofile=1&taxonid=291425) lists zones 10–11 for outdoor growing and notes its preference for regular moisture and drainage. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist during active growth, but avoid standing water. Bring container plants indoors before cold weather and acclimate them gradually when returning outdoors. Harvest mature yellow fruit for its aromatic peel; the rind can be used for zest or candying.