Averrhoa bilimbi (Bilimbi)

Native to Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, this small tree grows in wet tropical regions and has been introduced widely beyond its native range. Its compound leaves have many small leaflets. Clusters of purplish-red flowers develop directly on the trunk and older branches, followed by elongated fruits that ripen from pale green to yellowish-green. The fruits are intensely sour and are used in relishes, sauces and other prepared dishes. Concentrated fruit juice contains high levels of oxalic acid and can cause acute kidney injury. Their cucumber-like appearance gives the species the common name Cucumber Tree. Photographed in Colombia.