Buddha's hand

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, or the fingered citron, is an unusually shaped citron variety whose fruit is segmented into finger-like sections, resembling those seen on representations of the Buddha. It is called Buddha's hand in Chinese (佛手柑), Japanese (仏手柑) and Korean (불수감; 佛手柑).

Buddha's hand
Buddha's hand fruit, "open hand" appearance when ripe
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Sapindales
Family:
Rutaceae
Genus:
Citrus
Species:
C. medica
Variety:
C. m. var. sarcodactylis
Trinomial name
Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
(Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle
Citron varieties
Acidic-pulp varieties
Non-acidic varieties
Pulpless varieties
Citron hybrids
Related articles

The different cultivars and variations of this citron variety form a gradient from "open-hand" types with outward-splayed segments to "closed-hand" types, in which the fingers are kept together. There are also half-fingered fruits, in which the basal side is united and the apical side fingered. The origin of this kind of citron is commonly traced back to South or East Asia, probably northeastern India or China, where most domesticated citrus fruits originate.[1]

Description
A fingered citron by Volckamer
Fingered citron by Wellcome

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis[2] is, like any other citron variety, a shrub or small tree with long, irregular branches covered in thorns. Its large, oblong leaves are pale green and grow about four to six inches. Its white flowers are tinted purplish from the outside and grow in fragrant clusters. The fruit's fingers contain only the white part of the fruit and sometimes a small amount of acidic pulp, but many of them are completely juiceless and some are seedless.[3]

The plant is sensitive to frost, as well as intense heat and drought. It grows best in a temperate climate. Trees can be grown from cuttings taken from branches two to four years old. It is very commonly grafted onto sufficient rootstock.

Uses
Huge fruit breaking bearing twig
Buddha's hand citron in Val Rahmeh botanical garden

Perfumery

Buddha's hand fruit is very fragrant and is used predominantly in China, Malaysia and Japan for perfuming rooms and personal items such as clothing.

Religious

The fruit may be given as a religious offering in Buddhist temples. According to tradition, Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the fruit to be in a position where they resemble a closed rather than open hand, as closed hands symbolize to Buddha the act of prayer. In China, the Buddha's hand fruit is a symbol of happiness, longevity, and good fortune. It is also a traditional temple offering and a New Year's gift.[4]

Ornamental

The fingered citron is cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and containers on patios and terraces.

Food and medicine

Unlike other citrus fruits, most varieties of the Buddha's hand fruit contain no pulp or juice. Though esteemed chiefly for its "exquisite form and aroma", the Buddha’s hand fruit can also be eaten (often as a zest or flavouring) in desserts, savory dishes, and alcoholic beverages (such as vodka) or candied as a sweet. The sliced, dried peel of immature fruits is also prescribed as a tonic in traditional medicine.[3]

  • Semi-fingered and closed
  • Closed fingers
  • Side view
  • A fingered citron
  • Semi-closed fingers
  • In Villa di Castello
  • Semi dwarf fingered citron (green)
  • With open fingers
  • Cross section in a Variety etrog citron, and in fingered citron

See also

References
  1. Karp, David (Winter 1998). "Buddha's Hand Citron". Flavor and Fortune. Kings Park, NY: Institute for the Advancement of the Science and Art of Chinese Cuisine. 5 (4): 5–6. Archived from the original on 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
  2. "Citrus medica var. Buddhas Hand". Catalog of the Living Plant Collections. Storrs, CT: University of Connecticut, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Plant Growth Facilities. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
  3. "Buddha's hand citron". Catalog of the Citrus Variety Collection. Riverside, CA: University of California, Riverside, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Citrus Experiment Station. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
  4. "Buddhas Hand". Melissa's Produce.
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