Belimbing Buluh (Averrhoa bilimbi)

FamilyOxalidaceae
Scientific nameAverrhoa bilimbi
Common name (English)Tree Sorrel
Common name (Malay)Belimbing Buluh
Identified asIntroduced plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Averrhoa bilimbi, commonly known as the bilimbi or tree sorrel, is a small tropical fruit tree in the Oxalidaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, it is cultivated for its highly acidic, cucumber-shaped fruits, which are used in cooking, pickling, and traditional beverages. Beyond its culinary uses, various parts of the tree—including fruits, leaves, and flowers—have been employed in folk medicine for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-supporting properties. With its culinary, medicinal, and cultural significance, Averrhoa bilimbi remains an important species in tropical home gardens and local food traditions.