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Image of Averrhoa Carambola or Star Fuit plant
Delicious ripe fruits of Averrhoa Carambola or
Belimbing
Seeds of Averrhoa Carambola or Star Fruit |
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Averrhoa Carambola
(Belimbing, Star Fruit) |
Origin: Possibly Moluccas, Sri Lanka
Family: Oxalidaceae
Light: Full sun
Height: 25-30'
Spread: 20-25'
Blooms: Fragrant, pink to lavender, clusters, repeated blooms
Foliage: Medium green, alternate, soft, smooth upper and slight
hair lower, ovate-oblong leaflets on each stalk
Fruit: Dark green, maturing to yellowish-green, waxy, ovate
with 5 longitudinal, from late Summer-early Winter
Soil: Well-drained, loamy, rich, sandy, medium acidic, keep moist
Water: Modearate when growing (excessisve watering will cause root
rot)
Uses: Specimen, landscaping, container
Fertilizer: Feed plants 4-5 times/year
Propagation: Seeds (Sow directly as soon as possible), grafting, woody stem cuttings
Comments: Averrhoa Carambola or Star Fruit or
Belimbing, as the Malaysians call it,
is a subtropical or tropical fruit tree with a branched and rounded
growth habit. There are 2 types of Star Fruit trees; the smaller
one is more acidic and sour while the larger one is sweeter and less
acidic. Averrhoa Carambola is slow growing. It produces clusters of fragrant pink
to lavender blossoms several times per year; the flowers appear on
axials of branches. Averrhoa Carambola fruit has a unique shape of 5 angles. When ripe, the
fruits drop to the ground. Pick fruits when they start to show
some yellow color on them. The ripe fruits taste sweet and juicy; and are popularly enjoyed by Asians. When
cut crosswise, the pieces of cut fruits looks like the shape of a star,
hence one of tthe common names, Star Fruit. Inside the fruits are
several flat brown seeds which can be dried and planted as soon as
possible as their viability last only a few days.
Belimbing makes a lovely specimen plant in the sunny landscape.
Protect plant well from wind and frost;
only mature plants can survive with minimal damage at 28 degrees F;
plant goes dormant between temperatures of 55-60 degrees F.
Grown
in a container,
Averrhoa Carambola makes an attractive ornamental houseplant and
would not grow as tall.
Belimbing
trees are excellent for
smaller gardens. Reduce watering at flowering season to promote
more fruits. Too much water can cause root rot. Fertilize
for optimum growth. They are commonly found
growing in the yards of many tropical homes in Malaysia and many other
areas in Southeast Asia.
Averrhoa Carambola can be grown in zone 8 with shelter. Different parts of
the fruit
like the
fruits, leaves and seeds have medicinal values. Consuming these
sub-acidic
fruits often helps lower blood pressure, improve appetite and they have
the action of a laxative and a diuretic. I love the taste
of the Belimbing fruits and eat them as desserts, in salads and some times I blend into a
healthy and refreshing drink with crushed ice and with a little suger
added for taste. Excess fruits can be made into preserves or jams,
dehydrated or canned. The acid of young fruits have been used to
polish brass and metals. Furnitures have been made out of
Averrhoa Carambola trees. Star Fruit is an asset to have in the
garden.
USDA Hardiness Zones
: 9-11 |
