Cucumber Tree (Averrhoa bilimbi)

02/04/2013

Averrhoa bilimbi L. 1753, commonly called Cucumber Tree, Tree Sorrel or Bilimbi is a tropical tree, most likely native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.


The Cucumber tree belongs to the wood sorrel family (Oxalidaceae) and is a close relative to the Carambola or Starfruit Tree (Averrhoa carambola). Nowadays Averrhoa bilimbi is widely distributed throughout tropical countries, especially South and South East Asia, the Caribbean Islands and South America. The very sour fruits, which look like small cucumbers are widely used in South East Asian cuisines as an acidifier, for the production of refreshing drinks and in natural medicine as well. The fragrant, red flowers get a size of about 1 cm in diameter and grow directly from the main stems or woody trunks (Cauliflory).


Flowering period: February - March. Unlike the Carambola or Starfruit Tree (Averrhoa carambola), the Cucumber Tree (Averrhoa bilimbi) is very cold sensitive and should also be protected from heavy winds. In tropical countries the exotic tree reaches heights up to 10 - 15 meters. Cucumber Trees (Averrhoa bilimbi) require a warm to hot, tropical climate and a dry period of 2-3 month in winter. The small plant genus Averrhoa has been established by the father of modern taxonomy, Swedish botanist Carl von Linnaeus (1707 - 1778) in 1753 and has been named in honour to the Spanish polymath Averroes (1126 – 1198).

Cucumber Tree (Averrhoa bilimbi)
Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Cucumber Tree (Averrhoa bilimbi)




Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Cucumber Tree (Averrhoa bilimbi)

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