From Asit via email, no attachment:

Buddha's Hand is also known as Buddha's Fingers and
Fingered Citron. It comes from the Rutaceae family
and its scientific name is
Citron x Citron medica var sarcodactylis

It is named for its long, gnarly protuberances, which
can vary from 5 to 20 or more.

Buddha’s Hand is supposed to be one of the most
ancient citrus known to man, originating possibly in
north-eastern India thousands of years ago. It is
cultivated for its fragrant rind, which is used to
flavor dishes, is candied or is turned into marmalade.

The hand-shaped fruit used for religious purposes is
preferred when their fingers are closed rather than
open, since closed hands symbolize an act of prayer.

Buddha’s Hand has been used in China and Japan for
perfuming rooms and clothing and has been used as an
ornament, as well as in religious ceremonies.

The fruit with a very thick peel becomes yellow when
mature, and contains no flesh, juice or seeds. This
frost-sensitive, thorny tree has large leathery
leaves. Trees are small and can be grown in a
container.

The fruit is essentially inedible, as there is little flesh
or juice. However it does make a tasteful
marmalade with a unique lemon flavor.

The following 2 photos were taken in November.
====================================================
Photo #1
2 unripe fruits from a tree in Rockledge Gardens,
Rockledge, Florida.

Photo #2
Cut vertically in 2 halves, compared with a 1 inch diameter
coin.
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Asit

Buddha's Hand #3

Edited: 10/02/2012 at 08:29 PM by Thaumaturgist

#4

#5

Buddha's Hand #6