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Common Name: Belimbing Darah (Blood Starfruit)
Botanical Name: Baccaurea angulata
Native Origin: Borneo Rainforests – Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei
Emerging from the dense green rainforests of Borneo is a fruit unlike any other—Belimbing Darah, often referred to as the “blood starfruit” for its dramatic crimson pulp and rare character. Once known primarily to indigenous communities in Kalimantan and Sarawak, this fruit has now captured the attention of rare fruit growers and collectors across the globe. Its striking appearance, paired with a distinctive blend of flavors and ancestral healing uses, makes it one of the most extraordinary additions to any exotic plant collection.
Each fruit develops directly on the main trunk or large branches in a cauliflorous pattern, giving the tree a fascinating visual appeal during fruiting season. The fruit ripens through rich color transitions—starting off as vibrant red, deepening into purple, and finally maturing into a dark reddish-brown.
Shape: Oblong or oval, roughly the size of a small plum
Pulp: Soft, juicy, and ruby red
Flavor: A thrilling dance of tart, sweet, and subtly earthy tones
Texture: Silken flesh with delicate skin surrounding small seeds
Fragrance: Lightly fruity with a faint forest aroma
The bold sweet-and-sour flavor of Belimbing Darah sets it apart in tropical cuisine. While largely consumed fresh in its native regions, the fruit has slowly entered the creative palettes of adventurous chefs and health food lovers.
Served raw as a refreshing tropical snack
Incorporated into fermented health tonics and pickles
Processed into vibrant jams, fruit compotes, and relishes
Blended with citrus in juices and smoothies for an antioxidant boost
Sometimes sun-dried and powdered for traditional herbal infusions
The fruit’s vibrant pulp is also favored in traditional wedding and harvest rituals as a symbol of abundance and vitality.
The therapeutic use of Belimbing Darah is deeply rooted in native healing traditions. Locals have long trusted this fruit as a functional food with numerous restorative properties. Modern interest in its medicinal potential has only strengthened its appeal.
Natural Hypoglycemic Agent: Often consumed to support blood sugar regulation
Rich in Antioxidants: Helps reduce oxidative stress and supports skin repair
Vitamin C: A powerful immune booster
Iron and Calcium: Promotes blood health and bone strength
Mucolytic Properties: Known to relieve congestion, cough, and cold
Digestive Aid: Its tartness stimulates digestion and supports liver function
Regular consumption in small amounts is said to fortify the body against seasonal ailments and fatigue.
Despite its rare status, Baccaurea angulata adapts beautifully to cultivated environments when planted with the right care. It is a moderate-maintenance fruit tree with a rewarding growth habit.
Tree Type: Shrub to medium-sized evergreen tree
Height at Maturity: Up to 8 meters
Climate: Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates with high humidity
Sunlight: Prefers partial shade; tolerates filtered sun in hotter zones
Soil: Best in moist, well-drained loamy soil; tolerates mild acidity
Watering: Requires consistent moisture but must not be waterlogged
Flowering/Fruiting: Begins fruiting in 2–3 years; flowers are small and clustered
Propagation: Usually grown from seeds; occasional grafting improves fruiting consistency
Pest Resistance: Naturally resilient with minimal pest issues
Its manageable size and striking cauliflorous fruiting habit also make it a showpiece in any rare tropical garden.
The people of Borneo regard Belimbing Darah as more than food—it is medicine, symbol, and story:
Fruits are gifted during healing visits or ritual cleansing
Some communities use its juice as an offering in ancestral rites
The deep red pulp is seen as a metaphor for inner strength and renewal
Known as a “women’s wellness fruit” in traditional herbalism for balancing energy
In today’s world, it’s an ideal addition for those who seek plants with cultural soul and botanical beauty.
Harvest when fruits are plump, red-purple, and slightly soft
Fresh fruits are best consumed within 3 days
Can be refrigerated for up to a week
Pulp may be frozen, juiced, or dried for longer storage
Often preserved in local communities using sun-drying or salt fermentation
These preservation methods also enhance the fruit’s medicinal strength and culinary depth.
Veliyath Gardens is proud to be among the first in India to introduce the Belimbing Darah live plant—a remarkable initiative for collectors, healers, and garden lovers. Our effort to nurture this rare rainforest species reflects our mission to be more than a nursery.
We are a living fruit encyclopedia, offering rare botanical knowledge and first-time access to some of the world’s most forgotten and healing fruits.
The Belimbing Darah is not just a plant—it’s a legacy wrapped in crimson skin, flavored with wild tang, and grounded in wisdom centuries old. Whether you’re seeking flavor, health, or a connection to forgotten cultures, this is a fruit that brings all three.
Due to limited propagation and growing demand, availability is extremely restricted at Veliyath Gardens. We encourage early bookings for this highly sought-after botanical gem.
Let your garden be the first to whisper the story of Belimbing Darah—now available at Veliyath Gardens, where rare fruits take root in new hearts.
Climate: Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates with high humidity
Sunlight: Prefers partial shade; tolerates filtered sun in hotter zones
Soil: Best in moist, well-drained loamy soil; tolerates mild acidity
Natural Hypoglycemic Agent: Often consumed to support blood sugar regulation
Rich in Antioxidants: Helps reduce oxidative stress and supports skin repair
Vitamin C: A powerful immune booster
Fruits are gifted during healing visits or ritual cleansing
Some communities use its juice as an offering in ancestral rites
The deep red pulp is seen as a metaphor for inner strength and renewal