Averrhoa bilimbi

Averrhoa bilimbi (commonly known as bilimbi, cucumber tree, or tree sorrel) is a fruit-bearing tree of the genus Averrhoa, family Oxalidaceae. It is a close relative of the carambola tree.

Description

The Averrhoa bilimbi tree reaches heights of between 5 and 10 meters. The leaves, 30–60 cm in length, are alternate, imparipinnate and cluster at branch extremities. The flowers, small, fragrant, and yellowish-green or purplish marked with dark-purple, are borne in hairy panicles emerging directly from the trunk and oldest, stoutest branches. The fruit, classified as a berry, is ellipsoid, obovoid or nearly cylindrical, faintly 5-sided, 4 to 10 cm long.

Distribution and habitat

Averrhoa bilimbi is believed to be native to the Moluccas, but has been cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world including throughout Southeast Asia, in Mauritius, Réunion, the Seychelles, many parts of Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Florida, and Hawaii.

Uses

The fruit is generally regarded as too acidic to be eaten raw, but is a common ingredient in many dishes. In the Philippines, the fruit is used in dishes such as sinigang and paksiw. It can also be used to make relishes and pickles. In Ayurveda, the fruit is used for its medicinal properties to treat a variety of ailments.

Cultivation

Averrhoa bilimbi is propagated by seeds, which remain viable for months. The tree grows best in well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soil, but is adaptable to any type of soil, including calcareous soil. It prefers a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, and high rainfall, but can withstand a long dry season.

See also

• Carambola
• Oxalidaceae
• Tropical fruit