Also known as Belimbing · Bilimbi-Tree · Birambi
Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi) is a tropical fruit tree known for its intensely sour, cucumber-shaped fruits, used in preserves and chutneys.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and fruiting.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Water when topsoil is dry, avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm Tropical
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost and cold drafts.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Regular Feeding
75% intensity
Balanced fertilizer during growing season, reduced in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Bilimbi thrives with consistent moisture. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler, dormant periods, but never let the soil dry out completely. Aim for even moisture levels year-round.
Prune bilimbi to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation. Light pruning can be done anytime, but heavier pruning is best done after fruiting.
This encourages new growth and maintains a manageable size for harvesting.
Bilimbi is typically propagated by seeds or grafting. Seeds should be sown fresh and kept moist in a warm environment.
Grafting, usually done with scions from a fruiting tree onto rootstock, provides faster fruiting and true-to-type varieties.
Young bilimbi plants benefit from repotting every 1-2 years, or when root-bound. Mature trees may only need repotting every 3-5 years.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a slightly larger container to accommodate root growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi)
Where Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus | Averrhoa |
| Species | Averrhoa bilimbi |
Similar in genus Averrhoa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
