SafePlants

Averrhoa bilimbi: An In-Depth Look

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Averrhoa bilimbi fruit juice has a high concentration of oxalic acid.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Averrhoa bilimbi fruit juice has a high concentration of oxalic acid.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Averrhoa bilimbi
• Common Names: Bilimbi, Cucumber Tree, Tree Sorrel, Pickle Tree, Kamias, Belimbing Asam, Belimbing

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Oxalidaceae
• Genus: Averrhoa
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Bimbli, Belimbing, Blimbling, Biling, Bimbiri

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to tropical Asia, likely first domesticated in Malaysia and Indonesia.
• Cultivated in the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Thailand, France, and South Florida.

Ecological Role

• The plant is sensitive to cold, especially when young, needing protection in areas like Florida.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The tree is an evergreen shrub or tree, sometimes growing up to 15 meters tall, but more commonly 2-3 meters. It has a low, sparse crown.
• The fruit is narrow, multi-lobed, oblong and has five shallow ridges running along its length.
• Unripe fruit is very crunchy. The fruit resembles a cucumber in shape.
• Clusters of deep blood-red flowers bloom from the trunk.
• Leaves are oddly pinnate, with 12 pairs of leaflets.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

• Bilimbi juice is used medicinally throughout Asia.
• In Kerala, India, it is commonly used as a traditional remedy.
• Leaves, flowers, and fruit are used as part of herbal treatments.
• The plant contains antihyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Used in cooking, showing interaction with human culture and cuisine.

Further Information

• Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 506370.