Averrhoa carambola (Star fruit)

Botanical name

Averrhoa carambola

Other names

Star fruit, Carambola, Caramba, Coromandel gooseberry, Country gooseberry, Indian country gooseberry, Belimbing, Manis

Genus

Averrhoa Averrhoa

Species

A. carambola - A. carambola is a tender, slow-growing, branching, rounded, evergreen tree bearing pinnate leaves with ovate to oblong, finely hairy, mid-green leaflets, folding at night or when disturbed. Small clusters of downy, red-stalked, purple-streaked, lilac-pink flowers are followed by showy, oblong, edible, orange-yellow fruit with juicy, crisp, yellow flesh.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Branching, Rounded

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Colour

Flower

Lilac-pink in Spring

Foliage

Mid-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars , Fruit tree red spider mite , Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs , Scale insects

Specific diseases

Phytophthora root diseases

General care

Pruning

Thin fruit as required. Pruning group 1.

Propagation

Seed is only viable for a few days so sow under glass as soon as ripe.

Propagation methods

Grafting, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Averrhoa carambola (Star fruit) will reach a height of 9m and a spread of 5m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, City, Conservatory, Containers, Flavouring food and drinks, Greenhouse, Indoor, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Plant outdoors in full sun in frost-free areas in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil. Prefers loam but will tolerate a range of soil types. May be chlorotic on chalk. Water regularly in dry periods. May be deciduous in cooler climates. Under gla

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Averrhoa carambola (Star fruit)

Common pest name

False codling moth

Scientific pest name

Thaumatotibia leucotreta

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous pest; detected mainly on citrus and peppers. EU regulation under consideration following recurrent interceptions.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/