🍈 Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi)
🔤 Name English / nombre español / Name Deutsch
Bilimbi / Bilimbí o pepino de Indias / Bilimbi oder Gurkenbaum
📄 General description
The Bilimbi is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia that produces small, cucumber-shaped green fruits with a highly acidic taste. The tree is part of the wood-sorrel family (Oxalidaceae) and is closely related to the starfruit (Averrhoa carambola). It is widely cultivated in tropical regions for its culinary and medicinal uses.
🌿 Botanical Characteristics
Family
Oxalidaceae
Growth and structure
Bilimbi is a small to medium-sized tropical tree that typically grows between 5 and 10 meters tall. It has a short, often crooked trunk and a dense, rounded crown formed by many thin, spreading branches. The plant develops a bushy overall appearance and may exhibit a somewhat irregular growth habit depending on site conditions.
Leaves
Alternate, pinnate leaves with 11–37 leaflets, similar to tamarind or starfruit leaves
Flowers
Small, reddish to purplish flowers growing directly on the trunk or older branches (cauliflorous flowering).
Pollination
Bilimbi flowers are mainly pollinated by insects, especially bees. In humid tropical regions with high insect activity, natural pollination usually ensures abundant fruit set. While hand pollination may increase yields in some cases, it is typically unnecessary under favorable growing conditions like those on our finca.
Sexual system
Hermaphroditic (flowers have both male and female organs).
The tree is considered self-fertile, meaning it can produce fruit without a second plant for cross-pollination. However, fruit set is improved by the presence of pollinators such as bees and flies.
🌤️ Soil and Climate Preferences
Bilimbi thrives in hot, humid tropical climates with consistent rainfall. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils rich in organic matter. While it tolerates a range of soil types, waterlogged or saline conditions should be avoided. The tree grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot or dry regions. On our finca, it benefits from the warm temperatures, fertile soils, and natural mulch from surrounding vegetation.
🍈 Fruit and Use
General use
Bilimbi fruits are extremely sour and used in a variety of culinary applications. In many Asian and Latin American cuisines, they are prepared as chutneys, pickles, or relishes, or used as a souring agent in stews, curries, and sauces—serving a role similar to tamarind or vinegar. In Costa Rica, the fruits are sometimes eaten raw with salt or sugar, but are more often turned into juice, syrup, or jam. Their high acidity also allows them to be used as a natural metal cleaner or stain remover.
Ripening Season in Costa Rica
Bilimbi fruits can ripen multiple times a year, depending on rainfall and local conditions. On the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, they typically fruit at least twice a year, with main harvests often occurring during the transition from dry to rainy season (e.g., April–May) and again in late rainy season (e.g., September–October). However, some trees may bear fruit year-round in favorable conditions.
Common fruit traits
The fruit is cucumber-shaped, bright green when unripe and yellowish-green when fully ripe. Individual fruits measure about 4–10 cm in length and are usually formed in dense clusters growing directly from the trunk and main branches (cauliflorous). The thin skin encloses a soft, watery pulp with a few small flat seeds. The taste is intensely acidic, often described as sharper than starfruit.
Climacteric category
Non-climacteric
Ripening Behaviour – Full Table
🌱Propagation and Grafting
Usually propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Grafting is possible but not commonly practiced. The tree is relatively fast-growing and begins fruiting within a few years.
✂️ Care & Challenges
Pruning
Bilimbi trees benefit from light pruning to maintain a manageable shape and prevent overcrowded branches. After heavy fruiting, it’s recommended to remove damaged or overloaded limbs to reduce the risk of breakage. Periodic thinning helps improve air circulation and light penetration.
Diseases and Pests
Bilimbi is relatively resistant to pests and diseases but may occasionally suffer from fruit flies, aphids, or fungal infections in overly humid or shaded environments. Monitoring fruit drop and ensuring good airflow can help prevent these issues.
Soil and Fertilization
Bilimbi thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with good organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. While the tree is relatively low-maintenance, regular mulching and occasional compost or biofertilizer applications support healthy growth and fruiting. It is sensitive to prolonged drought and should be watered during dry periods.
🧺 Harvest Notes
Bilimbi fruits can be harvested multiple times per year, as the tree often flowers and fruits irregularly. Fruits should be picked before falling to the ground, as they bruise easily and lose quality quickly. Harvesting is best done with care, ideally using hand tools or baskets to avoid damage.
📍 Individual Plants in the Field
We currently cultivate several Bilimbi trees, mainly for pickling purposes. The trees fruit abundantly during the rainy season. We use a dehydrator to make “tropical sour stars” with cinnamon.
The plants are popular with insects and attract some curious birds but are not a primary food source for mammals.
Plant No. 165 Bilimbi (Southeast/Old Pigsty)
📸 Photos
soon to be added