AVERRHOA CARAMBOLA

Botanical Name: Averrhoa carambola
Common Names: Carambola, Starfruit, Fruta Estrella
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, loamy soils; tolerates slightly acidic conditions
Water Needs: Moderate; prefers regular watering, though established trees tolerate short dry periods
Foliage: Compound leaves with small, green, ovate leaflets that fold at night or when touched
Flowers: Small, fragrant, pink to lavender star-shaped flowers borne in clusters throughout the year
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in tropical and subtropical climates

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Averrhoa carambola is admired for its attractive foliage, delicate flowers, and distinctive star-shaped fruits, making it both decorative and productive in landscapes.

Edible Landscaping:
A valuable fruit tree for home orchards and tropical gardens, providing shade and abundant, unique fruits.

Cultural Planting:
Often used in tropical and subtropical regions as a multipurpose tree, combining beauty and productivity.

Benefits:

• Fruit Production: Produces crisp, juicy, star-shaped fruits rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Attractive Flowers: Provides seasonal beauty with its fragrant, colorful blooms.

• Wildlife Value: Flowers attract pollinators, and fruits may feed birds and small animals.

• Shade Provider: Offers dense foliage for cooling shade in gardens and patios.

• Versatile Uses: Fruits consumed fresh, juiced, or cooked, making it valuable for both ornamental and culinary purposes.

Averrhoa carambola is a fast-growing, fruit-bearing tree that adds beauty, shade, and productivity to tropical and subtropical landscapes. With its decorative foliage, fragrant blooms, and unique star-shaped fruits, it is an excellent choice for sustainable and edible gardens.