View source for Tree sorrel

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Averrhoa bilimbi''
| image = Averrhoa_bilimbi_dsc03692.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Oxalidales]]
| familia = [[Oxalidaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Averrhoa]]''
| species = '''''A. bilimbi'''''
| binomial = ''Averrhoa bilimbi''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''''Averrhoa bilimbi''''', commonly known as '''bilimbi''', '''bimbli''', '''belimbing''', '''blimbling''', '''biling''' (and also '''bimbiri''' in [[Sinhalese language|Sinhala]] ), '''cucumber tree''' or '''tree sorrel''' is a close relative of the '''carambola''', of [[genus]] [[Averrhoa]], [[family]] [[Oxalidaceae]].

==Distribution and habitat==
Originated seemingly from the [[Molucca]]s, the species is cultivated or found semi-wild throughout [[Indonesia]], the [[Philippines]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Bangladesh]] and [[Myanmar]]. It is common in other [[Southeast Asia|Southeast Asian countries]]. In [[India]], where it is usually found in gardens, the bilimbi has gone wild in the warmest regions of the country.

Out of [[Asia]], the tree is cultivated in [[Zanzibar]]. In [[1793]], the tree was introduced to [[Jamaica]] from [[Timor]] and after several years, was cultivated throughout [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]]. Introduced to [[Queensland]] at the end of the 19th [[century]], it has been commercialized in the region since then.

This is essentially [[tropical]] tree, less resistant to cold than the [[carambola]], growing best in rich and well-drained [[soil]] (but also stand [[limestone]] and [[sand]]). It prefers evenly distributed [[rainfall]] over the year, but with a 2- to 3-month [[dry season]]. Therefore the species is not found, for example, in the wettest part of [[Malaysia]]. In [[Florida]], where it is an occasional curiosity, the tree needs protections from wind and cold.

==Tree description==
The bilimbi tree is long-lived, reaches 5-10 m in height. Its [[trunk]] is short and quickly divides up into [[ramification (botany)|ramification]]s. Bilimbi leaves, 30-60 cm long, are alternate, [[pinnate| imparipinnate]] and cluster at [[branch]] extremities. There are around 11 to 37 alternate or [[subopposite]] oblong [[leaflet]]s. The leaves are quite similar to those of the [[Otaheite gooseberry]].

==Flower and fruit description==
Its flowers, like its fruits, are found in hairy [[panicle]]s that directly emerge from the trunk as well as from the oldest, most solid branches. The yellowish or purplish flowers are tiny, fragrant and have 5 petals.

The bilimbi fruit's form ranges from ellipsoid to almost cylindrical. Its length is 4-10 cm. The bilimbi is 5-sided, but in a less marked way than the [[carambola]]. At the [[Plant stem|stem]]'s end, the fruit is capped with a star-shape [[sepal | calyx]]. If unripe, it is bright green and crispy. It turns yellowish as it ripens. The flesh is juicy, green and extremely acidic. The fruit's skin is glossy and very thin.

Bilimbi seeds are small (6 mm) and brown. Their form is disc-like and flattened.

==Varieties==
Bilimbi does not seem to have varieties. However it has been reported to have a sweet variety in the Philippines.

==Nutritional value for 100 g of edible portion==
*[[Moisture]] 94.2-94.7 g 
*[[Protein]] 0.61 g 
*[[ash (analytical chemistry)|Ash]] 0.31-0.40 g
*[[Fiber]] 0.6g 
*[[Phosphorus]] 11.1 mg
*[[Calcium]] 3.4 mg  
*[[Iron]] 1.01 mg 
*[[Thiamine]] 0.010 mg 
*[[Riboflavin]] 0.026 mg
*[[Carotene]] 0.035 mg
*[[Ascorbic Acid]] 15.5 mg
*[[Niacin]] 0.302 mg

==Culinary interest==
Too sour to be eaten raw, the uncooked bilimbi is prepared as [[relish]] and served with [[rice]] and [[bean]] in [[Costa Rica]]. In the [[Far East]], where the tree originates, it is sometimes added to [[curry]]. Bilimbi juice (with a [[pH]] of about 4.47) is made a cooling [[beverage]]. It can replace [[mango]] in making [[chutney]]. In [[Malaysia]], it also is made into a [[jam]], which is rather sweet.<ref>[http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/bilimbi.html]</ref>

Besides, the fruit can be preserved, which reduces its acidity. The flowers are also sometimes preserved in [[sugar]].

==Medical interest==
In the Philippines, the leaves serve as a [[paste]] on [[itch]]es, swelling, [[rheumatism]], [[mumps]] or skin eruptions. Elsewhere, they are used for bites of poisonous creatures. A leaf [[infusion]] is efficient against or as an after-birth tonic, while the flower infusion is used for [[Candidiasis|thrush]], cold, and [[cough]]. Malaysians use fermented or fresh bilimbi leaves to cure [[venereal disease]]s.

== Other uses ==
In Malaysia, very acid bilimbis is used to clean the ''[[kris]]'' blade.

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
*[http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Averrhoabilimbi&w=91314344%40N00&m=tags Pictures of <i>Averrhoa bilimbi</i>]

[[category:fruit]]
[[Category:Oxalidaceae]]
[[Category:Flora of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Flora of Myanmar]]