Bilimbi
Averrhoa bilimbi
Plant Images
OneSeed Image
Description
Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, renowned for its sour, cucumber-like fruit. It typically reaches heights of up to 10 meters with a short trunk and dense, bushy foliage. In agroecology, Bilimbi serves as an understory tree in food forests, contributing to biodiversity and providing habitat for beneficial insects. Its fruit is rich in vitamin C and is traditionally used in Southeast Asian cuisine as a souring agent, often replacing tamarind or lemon. The tree is also valued for its ability to grow in diverse soil types and its resilience in tropical climates. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Growing Details
Bilimbi thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0). It prefers full sun exposure and requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Organic mulching with materials like coconut husk or leaf litter helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass and basil can help repel pests. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Harvest the fruit when it is firm and
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Averrhoa bilimbi</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Southeast Asia, widely cultivated i
applicable geo region: Tropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of May for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: Bilimbi fruit is primarily used for its sour flavor in culinary applications such as curries, chutneys, and pickles. It can be processed into juice, jams, and preserves. The fruit is available year-round in tropical climates, with peak harvests during the rainy season.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Bilimbi is used in folk medicine to treat coughs, fever, and inflammation. The fruit is believed to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is often used in decoctions or as a topical application for skin conditions. Caution is advised due to its high acidity, which can irritate the stomach lining if consumed in large quantities.
health concerns: The high acidity of Bilimbi fruit may cause irritation to the stomach lining if consumed in large quantities. It is advisable to consume it in moderation.
other uses: The wood of the Bilimbi tree is suitable for small construction projects and as firewood. It is not commonly used for large-scale building due to its relatively small size.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Averrhoa bilimbi</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Averrhoa bilimbi
common names: Bilimbi; Cucumber Tree; Tree Sorrel
family: Oxalidaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Averrhoa
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
(10/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 10.0 m
max width: 6.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Bilimbi thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0). It prefers full sun exposure and requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Organic mulching with materials like coconut husk or leaf litter helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass and basil can help repel pests. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Harvest the fruit when it is firm and
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include fruit flies and aphids. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs to control aphid populations. Companion planting with marigolds can help deter nematodes. Organic sprays such as neem oil or garlic extract can be used to manage fruit fly infestations.
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Download QR Code
Loading comments...