Star Fruit

(Averrhoa carambola)

Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Averrhoa carambola, commonly known as Star Fruit or Carambola, is an evergreen tree native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. It is also found in parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. This species thrives in humid, lowland regions and is often cultivated in home gardens and orchards. The tree typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) with a bushy shape and many branches producing a broad, rounded crown. The wood is white and turns reddish over time.

The Star Fruit tree is adorned with small clusters of lilac or purple-streaked, downy, bell-shaped flowers, which are produced in the axils of leaves at the end of twigs. The flowers are showy and attract pollinators. The distinctive star-shaped fruits are yellow when ripe, with a juicy, crisp texture. The taste varies from very sour to mildly sweetish, depending on the variety. Star Fruit is valued for its ornamental appearance, delicious fruit, and relatively low maintenance requirements. It is used in both culinary and medicinal applications, often eaten fresh, in salads, or made into beverages and preserves. For optimal growth, Star Fruit requires full sun, consistent moisture, and well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is sensitive to frost and requires protection in cooler climates. Some cultivars, such as ’Arkin’ and ’Fwang Tung’, are popular for their sweeter fruit and higher yield. Potential problems include pests like fruit flies and diseases such as leaf spot. Over-irrigation can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 20-30 feet
  • Width: 20-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to the tropical forests and humid lowland regions of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, as well as parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh

Other Names

Common Names: Carambola , Star Pickle , Five-Corner , Starfruit , Sternfrucht , Karambole , Carambolo , Carambolier , Karambola , Carambold

Scientific Names: Averrhoa carambola , Averrhoa microphylla , Averrhoa acutangula , Averrhoa pentandra , Connaropsis philippica , Sarcotheca philippica

GBIF Accepted Name: Averrhoa carambola L.