Averrhoa bilimbi (cucumber tree)

The cucumber tree ( Averrhoha bilimbi ) belongs to the wood sorrel family (Oxalidaceae) and is originally from the island of Sulawesi and the Moluccas. However, it has since been introduced to many tropical regions and is widespread. Besides the star fruit or carambola ( Averrhoha carambola ), it is the only member of the genus cultivated for its fruit.

The cucumber-like fruits, about 5 to 10 cm long, which give the tree its name, appear directly on the trunk (cauliflory) and taste very sour. Therefore, the fruits are not usually eaten raw, but often preserved and used as a popular spice in Indonesian cuisine.

A. bilimbi is a small and fairly fast-growing tree. It can reach a maximum height of about 15 meters, but usually remains smaller, at "only" 3 to 4 meters. When grown indoors, it can of course be kept even smaller through pruning. As with almost all cauliflorous trees, the time it takes to bear fruit depends not on its height, but on its trunk diameter.

The plant itself, with its fine, feathery leaves, looks really attractive and is well suited for use as a bonsai!



You will receive a young plant at least 15 cm tall in a 7 cm square pot. We recommend keeping it in a terrarium initially.

Please note: Averrhoa plants are extremely sensitive to shipping. Therefore, a shipping surcharge is included in the German purchase price, and the plants are shipped via UPS Express Saver. Drooping leaves after shipping are still normal. The plants should recover from the stress of shipping as quickly as possible if provided with suitable conditions. Shipping outside of Germany is at your own risk!



Preview image with fruit: Okkisafire on Wikipedia ( CC BY-SA 4.0 )