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Description
Averrhoa Bilimbi, also known as the Bilimbi fruit tree, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the genus Averrhoa and the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia, but it is now widely cultivated in many tropical regions around the world, including Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, and the Caribbean. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a narrow, columnar shape with a dense canopy of bright green leaves. It produces small, oblong-shaped fruits that are usually around 5-10 centimeters long and 2-3 centimeters wide. The fruit has a distinctive sour taste and is often used in cooking and traditional medicine due to its high nutritional value.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus | Averrhoa |
Appearance
The Averrhoa Bilimbi tree has a slender and upright growth habit, with a single trunk and a narrow canopy. Its leaves are alternate and pinnate, with 11-17 leaflets arranged in pairs. The leaflets are lanceolate in shape, with a glossy surface and a deep green color. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are borne in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the Averrhoa Bilimbi is oblong-shaped with a length of 5-10 centimeters and a diameter of 2-3 centimeters. It has a thin, waxy skin that is greenish-yellow when young and turns to a light yellow color when ripe. The flesh of the fruit is translucent and juicy, with a tangy, sour taste.
Care Guide
Averrhoa Bilimbi trees require warm and humid conditions to thrive, and they prefer well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. They should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season, to prevent water stress. Fertilization is also important to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of NPK 14-14-14 is recommended, and it should be applied every three months during the growing season. The tree needs full sun exposure to produce fruit, but it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. It is hardy to USDA zone 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Averrhoa Bilimbi trees are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including fruit flies, scale insects, aphids, and leaf spot. Fruit flies can be controlled by applying insecticides or by setting up traps with bait. Scale insects and aphids can be removed manually or treated with insecticidal soap. Leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation around the tree. Fungal diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew can be controlled with fungicides.
Habitat
Averrhoa Bilimbi trees are native to the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia, where they grow in tropical rainforests and other lowland areas. They are now widely cultivated in many tropical regions around the world, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, India, and the Caribbean. In these areas, the tree is commonly found in home gardens, orchards, and small farms.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of Averrhoa Bilimbi?
A: Averrhoa Bilimbi is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial to health. It is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium, and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Q: How is Averrhoa Bilimbi used in cooking?
A: Averrhoa Bilimbi is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine as a souring agent to add flavor to dishes. It is commonly used in curries, chutneys, and pickles, and it can also be used to make juice and vinegar.
Q: How long does it take for Averrhoa Bilimbi to bear fruit?
A: Averrhoa Bilimbi trees typically start to bear fruit three to five years after planting, depending on the growing conditions and the cultivar.
Q: Is Averrhoa Bilimbi easy to grow?
A: Averrhoa Bilimbi trees require warm and humid conditions to thrive, and they can be quite challenging to grow in temperate climates. However, they are relatively easy to grow in tropical regions, as long as they receive proper care and maintenance.
Related Plants
- Averrhoa carambola (Starfruit)
- Oxalis pes-caprae (Bermuda Buttercup)
- Oxalis corniculata (Creeping Woodsorrel)
- Oxalis tetraphylla (Iron Cross)
References
- “Averrhoa bilimbi.” Purdue University Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/bilimbi.html.
- “Averrhoa bilimbi.” Tropical Fruit Trees. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://tropicalfruittrees.com/bilimbi.htm.
- “Bilimbi.” Encyclopedia of Life. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://eol.org/pages/5858897.
