averrhoa bilimbi
Averrhoa bilimbi, is a small tree, able to grow up to about 5 – 10 m tall. The flowers are purplish red and occur on the trunk or branches in pendulous clusters. The fruit is ellipsoid to obovoid in shape, turns from light green to yellowish-green when ripen, measuring about 4 – 10 cm long. Averrhoa bilimbi, is closely allied to the Averhhoa carambola (Starfruit), they share some of the same names despite being very different fruits.
Taxonomy:
- Family : Oxalidaceae
Common Names:
- Malay : Bilimbi, Belimbing Buloh, Belimbing
- English : Cucumber Tree
Habitat and Distribution:
Averrhoa bilimbi thrives in Tropical region. It is natively distributed in Moluccas, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Uses:
The fruit is too acid for eating raw but the green uncooked fruits are prepared as relish in Suriname.