Plant guide

Starfruit.

Averrhoa carambola

Pronounced uh-VER-oh-uh kar-am-BOH-luh

Also known as Carambola, Starfruit, blimbing, caramba, five-corner

Starfruit is a beautiful tropical tree that produces unique, star shaped yellow fruit. It loves warm, humid spots and makes a lovely addition to a sunny garden. You will enjoy its pretty pink flowers and glossy green leaves.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical fruit tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 20 to 30 feet
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal a need for more iron or better drainage. Protect the tree from cold drafts and freezing temperatures at all costs.

Watering: Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Prune lightly once a year to maintain shape and encourage better fruit production.
Repotting: Repot only when the tree becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Well draining loamy soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5

Safety

Pets: Starfruit contains oxalates which can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities.

How to identify it

Distinctive five pointed star shaped fruit
Glossy pinnate green leaves
Small clusters of pinkish flowers
Oval shaped edible yellow fruit

Science

Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Averrhoa
Order: Oxalidales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your starfruit looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.