|
Image of
Averrhoa bilimbi
or Bilimbi coming soon... |
|
Averrhoa bilimbi
(Belimbing Asam, Belimbing Buloh, Bilimbi, Cucumber Tree,
Kamias, Pickled Fruit, Tree Sorrel) |
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Oxalidaceae
Light: Full sun-light shade
Height: 15-20', can reach 40'
Blooms: Clusters, panacles, maroon, from older branches and trunk
Foliage: Evergreen, compound, large, made up of 45 oblong-pointed
leaflets each 2-4" long
Fruit: Bright green rind matures to yellow, elongated, smooth,
waxy, acid pulp with small
seeds embedded
Soil: Well-drained, loamy, rich, sandy, medium acidic, keep moist
Water: Regular
Uses: Specimen, landscaping, container
Fertilizer: Feed plants 4-5 times/year
Propagation: Seeds (Takes about 2 months to germinate), layering
Comments:
Averrhoa bilimbi
or Belimbing Asamor Belimbing Buloh or Bilimbi or
Cucumber Tree or Kamias or Pickled Fruit or Tree Sorrel is a tropical fruit tree
with an erect growth habit. It is related to Carambola.
There are 2 forms of Bilimbi one of which bears sour fruits while the
other bears sweet fruits without the acid taste. Interestingly, Bilimbi
bears clusters of maroon blossoms from the trunk and older branches.
The nectar-rich blossoms
of
Pickled Fruit
attract birds, bees and
butterflies.
Averrhoa bilimbi
is easily propagated from
seeds or layering; it grows well in well-draining rich loamy sandy
medium acidic moist soil.
Seed grown trees normally bear fruits in the 3rd year of growth.
Averrhoa bilimbi
can tolerate temperature of
about 32 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period. This Indonesian
native bears interesting bright green fruits measuring 2-3" long
resembling mini cucumbers. The mature fruit is fleshy and rich in
oxalic acid; they taste sour when eaten fresh but after drinking water,
the tongue has a sweetish sensation. Pickled mature fruits are
popularly cooked as a preserve with sugar to taste; they are also used
in sauces, salads or for making candied fruit. The pulp can be made into
a refreshing drink. In Malaysia,
Cucumber Tree can be found growing by roadsides.
USDA Hardiness Zones
: 11-12 |
