Bilimbi: an unexploited fruit
BILIMBI (AVERRHOA bilimbi) is a small tree, growing to a height of about 5 m bearing small pinnate leaves. Its fruits are about 3-4 inches long, resembling small green cucumbers, hence it is commonly called as `cucumber tree'.
The fruits are produced in clusters on the trunk and branches. They are sour in taste and known as `Puzhichakai' in Tamil. The seeds are covered by a fatty layer (contains 6 per cent oxalic acid).
The tree grows well in warm humid climate having temperatures ranging from 22-34 degree Celsius with good rainfall. and thrives well in soils having good drainage and high organic matter content. It is suitable for homestead garden and as a mixed crop with coconut.
The recommended spacing is 8 x 8m, accommodating 156 plants per hectare. Each bearing tree should be manured with FYM at 25kg and 80:50:100g of NPK every year.
It is mostly grown as a rain-fed crop. However irrigation during drought is necessary. No serious pests affect this crop. The seedlings yield from the 7th year.
G. V. Rajalingam, M.Selvarajan & J. Prem Joshua
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Kanyakumari
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