Carambola, the star-shaped fruit tree

Fruits of Averrhoa carambola

This is a most curious plant: when you cut one of its fruits, you immediately realize that they are star-shaped. It is a tropical tree that grows to 10 meters, originally from Malaysia (specifically, it is believed to come from Caramboya and Laos), although today it is cultivated in practically all tropical regions of the world.

Its scientific name is Averrhoa carambola, although it is much better known by its surname: Carambola. Discover all its secrets.

Carambola characteristics

Carambola Tree

Image – Siam Pattaya City

This is a tree that reaches a height of about 10 meters, with a more or less parasolate crown composed of alternate, odd-pinnate, green leaves. Its flowers appear in short clusters, and are pink.

And the fruit, without a doubt the most characteristic, It is a berry with 5 prominent ribs that contains three to five longitudinal striae, with thin skin, of a golden yellow color when it finishes ripening, and it is edible.

How to cultivate it?

Averrhoa carambola flowers

If you want to have one or more copies, take note:

  • Location: outside, in full sun, protected from the wind.
  • Irrigation: frequent, between 3 and 4 times a week in the hottest months, and between 2 and 3 times / week the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber: It must be fertilized throughout the growing season (which coincides with flowering and fruiting) with organic fertilizers, such as guano, worm castings or manure.
  • Land: it must have good drainage and be rich in organic matter. In limestone soils it does not thrive.
  • Rusticity: does not stand the cold. Temperatures below 5ºC seriously damage it.

Uses of carambola

Carambola

This is a very ornamental plant, which looks very much like an isolated specimen or planted in rows. In addition, its delicious fruits, having a more or less sweet taste, they are often used to make juices or to consume in salads.

It should be noted that it is medicinal, being able to combat diarrhea, scurvy and fever, which is very interesting, don't you think? 🙂


2 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Jose Luis said

    Hello, I live in Colombia, I have a carambola tree, the first harvest made large fruits, but from there to here, it only made small fruits, made a large number of flowers and then they also tend to fall thanks

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Jose Luis
      I recommend you fertilize it with organic fertilizers, such as guano, manure, or worm castings. Layer about 3cm thick around the plant once a month.
      A greeting.