This strange looking South East Asian fruit is called the Buddha's Hand as it looks like the outstretched hand of a monk begging alms on his alms round. It grows predominantly in Asia and fruits from a shrub or small tree. It has a very thick skin and a delightful fragrance and as a consequence the peel is used as a fragrance for perfuming rooms and clothing.
As a result of it's name and association is is also used as a devotional offering in Buddhist temples and the version of the fruit where the 'hand' appear to be closed is preferred as they seem to be in prayer.
