Common name: Cucumber Tree, Tree Sorrel, Bilimbi
Malay name: Belimbing Buluh, Belimbing Masam
Scientific name: Averrhoa bilimbi L.
Conservation status: Cultivated, Native to Malaysia
Description
A small tree of 5-10m tall. Trunks are short and divided into upright branches. Leaves are oblong, usually clustered at the branch tips. It bears small, fragrant, purplish-red flowers which are grouped into drooping clusters. Each cluster comprises about 60 flowers. Fruits are somewhat cylindrical or slightly pentagonal, glossy, green to light yellow.
Habit: Perennial tree
Cultivation: It is planted by seeds
Ecological function: The flowers attract pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant. This plant is bird-attracting.
Pollinator: Bees, butterflies, self-pollinate
Soil: Fertile loamy soils
Moisture: Moist, well-drained soils
Shade: No shade
Use: The fruits are edible. It is often used as souring agent for dishes and beverages.
Urban Biodiversity Initiative (UBI) 