Averrhoa bilimbi commonly known as bilimbi, cucumber tree, or tree sorrel is a fruit-bearing tree of the genus Averrhoa, family Oxalidaceae. It is a close relative of carambola tree.
The bilimbi tree reaches 5–10 m in height. Its trunk is short and quickly divides up into ramifications. Bilimbi leaves, 3–6 cm long, are alternate, imparipinnate and cluster at branch extremities. There are around 11 to 37 alternate or subopposite oblong leaflets. The leaves are quite similar to those of the Otaheite gooseberry.The fruits are available throughout the year. The tree bears hundreds of fruits per year.
Uses of Bilimbi
There is a sweet variety of bilimbi in the Philippines where the sour bilimbis are called
kamias, while the sweet variety is called balimbing.
Bilimbi is preserved by sun-drying, the sun-dried bilimbi is called
asam sunti.
Health Benefits of Bilimbi
1. The leaves of bilimbi are used as a treatment for venereal disease.
2. The leaf decoction is taken as a medicine to relieve from rectal inflammation.
3. The fruit seems to be effective against coughs and thrush.
4. It fights against cholestrol and is used as a tonic and laxative.
5. The fruit is also known to control internal bleeding in the stomach.
6. The leaves serve as a paste on itches, swelling, mumps or skin eruptions.
7. Syrup made from Bilimbi is a cure for fever and inflammation.
8. It is also used to stop rectal bleeding and alleviate internal hemorrhoids.
Read More About
Averrhoa bilimbi.
Recipes using
Bilimbi.
