Bilimbi (cucumber tree) Averrhoa bilimbi
Bilimbi (cucumber tree) (Averrhoa bilimbi) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Oxalidaceae family, native to Moluccas (Indonesia). It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Bilimbi (cucumber tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–209 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (very sour; pickles, curries) |
| Native to | Moluccas (Indonesia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇮🇳 India, 🇸🇬 Singapore |
Is Bilimbi (cucumber tree) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: fruit
Very high in oxalic acid: concentrated juice has caused acute kidney injury.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bilimbi (cucumber tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Bilimbi (cucumber tree)
- How far apart should I plant Bilimbi (cucumber tree)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Bilimbi (cucumber tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bilimbi (cucumber tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bilimbi (cucumber tree)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Bilimbi (cucumber tree) flower?
- About 156–209 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Bilimbi (cucumber tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Very high in oxalic acid: concentrated juice has caused acute kidney injury.
- What grows well with Bilimbi (cucumber tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bilimbi (cucumber tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Starfruit’s cousin; small green fruits hang in clusters straight from the trunk.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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