Star Fruit Tree (Carambola)

About the Star Fruit Tree (Carambola)

Carambola, or star fruit, bears waxy, golden-yellow fruit with five prominent ribs, so each slice is a perfect star. The flesh is crisp and very juicy, with a sweet-tart flavour somewhere between apple, grape and citrus. Use it fresh, in fruit salads and drinks, or as an eye-catching garnish. The tree is attractive and fairly compact, with soft, feathery foliage and small pink-purple flowers, and it can fruit several times a year in warm climates. It adapts well to most warm regions of Mexico. Note: people with kidney disease are generally advised to avoid star fruit. Grown on our farms in Yucatán and Chiapas and shipped via DHL.

How to Care for It

Grow in full sun in well-drained, slightly acidic soil; in alkaline soils it may show yellowing that responds to iron and micronutrient feeds. Water regularly, especially while fruiting. Feed with balanced fertiliser every two to three months during growth. Shelter from strong winds. Mature trees tolerate brief light frost. Prune to keep the canopy open and the fruit within reach.

The backbone of a tropical orchard. Mangoes, Booth 8 avocado, red mamey, chicozapote, carambola, dwarf coconuts, jackfruit and dragon fruit: reliable, productive trees that thrive in Mexico's warm lowlands and coasts, grown on our farms and shipped by DHL.

Growing Profile

Botanical name

Averrhoa carambola

Family

Oxalidaceae

Native to

Southeast Asia

Mature height

5–9 m

Plant spacing

6 m

Years to first fruit

2–3 years

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Cold tolerance

down to -1 °C

Best climates

Humid tropics, Dry tropics, Subtropical

Grows in a pot

Yes

Ships from

Our farms in Yucatán & Chiapas