Star Fruit Tree
Averrhoa carambola
A tropical evergreen tree producing waxy, ribbed yellow fruit that forms a star shape when sliced. Its decorative five-pointed fruit makes it an attractive ornamental in warm climates.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular; keep soil moist
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
The star fruit, or carambola, is a small to medium evergreen tree in the wood-sorrel family, grown for its distinctive five-ribbed fruit. It is native to tropical Southeast Asia.
When sliced crosswise, the fruit forms a perfect five-pointed star, a striking decorative feature.
The tree is attractive year-round, bearing fragrant lilac flowers and often fruiting more than once a year in warm climates.
How to identify it
A bushy evergreen tree with compound leaves and unmistakable ribbed fruit.
- Leaves: Compound, with 5-11 soft, oval leaflets that fold at night
- Bark: Light brown, fairly smooth
- Flowers: Small, bell-shaped, lilac to pink with purple markings, fragrant, in clusters
- Fruit: Oblong with 5 (sometimes 4-6) prominent longitudinal ribs, 7-15 cm, waxy yellow when ripe, forming a star in cross-section
- Size: Typically 5-9 m tall
Care & growing
Manageable in true tropical and warm subtropical climates.
- Light: Full sun for best growth and flowering
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist; it does not tolerate drought or prolonged waterlogging
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter; tolerates a range of pH
- Temperature: Tropical to warm subtropical; damaged by frost, with young trees especially tender
- Feeding: Regular light feeding throughout the growing season
- Propagation: Grafting for named cultivars (seedlings are variable)
Habitat & origin
Averrhoa carambola is native to tropical Southeast Asia, likely the Malay Archipelago.
It is now cultivated throughout the tropics and warm subtropics, including India, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, South America, Florida and Hawaii. It thrives in warm, humid climates with ample rainfall.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognize a star fruit tree?
Look for compound leaves with 5-11 leaflets that fold at night, fragrant lilac to pink flowers, and the distinctive ribbed fruit that forms a five-pointed star when sliced crosswise.
How big does a star fruit tree get?
It is a small to medium bushy evergreen, typically reaching about 5-9 m tall.
What growing conditions does it need?
Full sun, consistently moist but well-drained fertile soil, and a tropical to warm subtropical climate. It is frost-sensitive, especially when young.
Where is the star fruit tree native to?
It is native to tropical Southeast Asia, likely the Malay Archipelago, and is now grown throughout the tropics and warm subtropics.
Star Fruit Tree guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Star Fruit Tree.
