Family: Oxalidaceae

Averrhoa bilimbi, commonly known as bilimbi or cucumber tree, is a tropical fruit tree native to Maluku and Sulawesi in Indonesia. The tree is fast-growing and can reach heights of 10–15 meters, producing small greenish flowers that develop directly on the trunk and branches. Its extremely sour, cucumber-like fruits are rich in vitamin C and are commonly used in pickles, sauces, and traditional dishes. Bilimbi thrives in warm, humid climates and can fruit year-round under favorable conditions.

Although Averrhoa bilimbi is not currently naturalized in Hawaii, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Its rapid growth, prolific seed production, and ability to establish in disturbed areas suggest it could become invasive if introduced. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether bilimbi could impact native ecosystems, and caution is advised before considering its cultivation in Hawaii.

High Risk Traits:

• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Repeatedly introduced outside native range
  
• Naturalized in multiple regions
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soils
  
• Shade tolerant at some stages
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by people, water, and birds
  
• Seeds survive gut passage

Low Risk Traits:

• Not reported as a significant weed
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Palatable and non-toxic to humans and animals
  
• Not a fire hazard
  
• Does not climb, smother, or form thickets
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Slow to mature (5-6 years to fruit)
  
• Not dispersed by wind or as a contaminant
  
• Low seed production (large, fleshy fruits)
  
• No persistent soil seed bank