Hi there, seems like every other state has good sources but California! I'm well aware of Four Winds but I'd like something more fun.

Do you know where I can get Australian citrus? I've got a finger lime tree

Other species citrus

Thanks!

Welcome to the Citrus Growers Forum. We are happy that you joind with us. Concerning the purchasing of Australian Citrus varieties, you will have to find a source within the state of California. It is illegal for any citrus supplier located anywhere in the world, outside of California to sell/ship citrus into the state. This will certainly make your hunt more difficult. - Millet

I just found out about importing seeds into the United States from other countries. It appears that for orders of 50 seeds or less you may get a "Small Lots of Seed" permit to do so. It turns out I'm ordering Sour Orange Seeds from Belize and filled out a fairly simple 1 page permit that will last for 3 years. If you can't find your Austrialian citrus trees in California, they will be regulated from bringing them in from another State (except Arizona) according to this link (http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pe/summary.htm). Your best bet may be to grow the trees from seed. Then you can share your budwood with the rest of us California natives crazy enough to stay in this State.

Anyway, if you find a seed source in another country, the link to the Small Lots of Seed permit is: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/smalllots_seed.shtml

Phillip

Does anyone know if there is someone in Austalia that exports seeds of australian varieties?

Dauben, thank you for the information you have obtained concerning citrus seed. I was talking about live plants. As far as the Australians selling seed to markets outside of Australia they are very protective. With the exception of Finger lines, all other varieties are not offered as fas as I know. The Australians even freeze their Blood and Sunrise Limes before shipping them out of Australia to be sure the seed is dead. However, in my opinion the only value to any of the Australian citrus varieties is as a collector, and I understand the collector's want can be great. The fruit that they produce is basically worthless to eat, with the exception of squirting a little juice on a piece of fish. If you wish items like Red Finger lime, Sunrise and Blood Limes, either take a trip to Australia or get an Australian friend. I personally know that all eight or nine Australian Micro Citrus varieties are available right here in the US when you know the right collectors, but that is another story. - Millet

I can understand the State of Calif needs to make sure citrus is a protected industry - but I just don't get the UC Riverside people! I can't believe they won't release seeds or budwood to hobbyist or collectors like us that want to stay legal?

Hey - if it were bad for us then why did the plant the damn trees in California the first place?

I've seen some folks connected to them someone get stuff. That's just not fair!

Pardon the rant!