Rain Forest Gardener

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From Averrhoa bilimbi

Scientific Name: Averrhoa bilimbi. Common name: ‘bilimbi’.

A pretty little fruit tree that is a close relative of the carambola but quite different in appearance, manner of fruiting, flavor and uses. Native to Indonesia.

From Averrhoa bilimbi

The tree is upright and decorative and will usually grow to be 15 to 20 feet high and bear lots of multi-lobed, oblong fruit with a pale green waxy skin. The fruit turns yellow when ripe and has a crunchy but watery textured flesh. The taste is very similar to the starfruit, although the flesh is more acidic.

Easy to grow from seed; the seeds will germinate in 30 to 60 days and the plants will bloom and produce fruit in about three years. Can be used as a container plant.

The plant can be grown in full sun or light shade.

Temperature zones.
USDA: 11-12

Will grow in Southern Florida and Hawaii as long as it has some protection from the wind and cold.