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Bilimbi,
Pickle-Tree
Averrhoa bilimbi
L.
av-ah-ROW-ah
buy-LIMB-bee
Oxalidaceae
Explanation of name:
Generic
name for Averroes, an ancient astronomer.
Bilimbi is a common name for
the tree.
Natural range:
Tropical
Asia, Moluccas?
Recognition:
Leaves clustered at branch tips,
pinnately compound with 10-34 leaflets. Flowers small, star-shaped, yellow
marked with purple or predominantly reddish or purplish, in clusters on the
trunk. Fruits borne on trunk, resembling
candles or cucumbers
Landscape uses:
Small tree with edible fruits.
Needs protection from cold. Grows in Palm Beach County.
Propagated mostly by seeds or air
layers. Fruits are acid and sour,
mostly used in preserves, as flavorings, or cooked, seldom eaten directly from
the tree
Internet sources:
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/bilimbi.html
http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/bilimbi.htm
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/AFTPDFS/Averrhoa_bilimbi.pdf
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Botanical name
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English
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FL
native
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Growth form
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Flowering season
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Typical dimensions
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Suggested spacing
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Cultural conditions
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Problems
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Averrhoa bilimbi
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Bilimbi
Pickle-Tree
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Exotic
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Tree
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Can
flower/fruit most warm months
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To
33’
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SU-PS
MO with year-round water and humidity
(Internet sources as above, PBCC)
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Sensitive to cold
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