Oxalidaceae - Botanical Family

It is very common in Thailand, Malaya and Singapore. The bilimbi is closely allied to the carambola but quite different in appearance, manner of fruiting, flavor and uses. The only strictly English names are "cucumber tree" and "tree sorrel". "Bilimbi" is the common name in India and has become widely used. The tree is attractive, reaches 35 ft in height. Small, fragrant, yellowish-green or purplish flowers marked with dark-purple, are borne in small, hairy panicles emerging directly from the trunk and oldest, thickest branches and some twigs, as do the clusters of curious fruits resembling small cucumbers that grow on strunk and stems. The bilimbi is generally regarded as too acid for eating raw, but in some places, the green, uncooked fruits are prepared as a relish. Ripe fruits are frequently added to curries in the Far East or used in place of mango to make chutney. The fruit juice is popular for making cooling beverages on the order of lemonade. To reduce acidity, it may be first pricked and soaked in water overnight and boiled with sugar to make a jam or an acid jelly. Half-ripe fruits are salted, set out in the sun, and pickled in brine and can be thus kept for 3 months. A quicker pickle is made by putting the fruits and salt into boiling water. This product can be kept only 4 to 5 days. The flowers are sometimes preserved with sugar.

In Costa Rica, these tree is called membrillo = little dick fruits.

Read more about this fruit tree.

Season: August - March. Small symetrical tree. Red and white flowers appear on bare branches or at leaf bases. Fruit has a thin, waxy, green-yellow, yellow or orange skin. Oblong and five-angled it is star-shaped when cut across the middle. It has a sweet, watery, slightly acid, pleasant tasting pulp that is eaten raw or preserved. Seedlings have been known to bear in 3 years. Large trees have been known to survive 26°F without damage but young trees must be protected from frost and wind. Fruits very prolifically. Eaten fresh, in salads, as garnishes and in drinks. Varieties: Arkin, Fwang Tung, Kari, Sri Kembangan. The plant will fruit in container even when in small size (2-3 ft).