Starfruit;Carambola – Six – Five

Plant family: Oxalidaceae

Plant origin: The origin of Carambolas is not known.

Fruit description: Carambolas fruit prolifically, commencing at one year. The fruit is 80-120 mm long, and ribbed making five corners so that slices are star shaped. The flesh is yellow or orange, crunchy and very juicy, similar in texture to grapes. The skin is edible. The flavour may be citrus like, sweet and slightly sour.

Flowers: The small purple flowers occur in sprays along the branches.

Growing conditions: The Carambola is a small evergreen tree that can grow to 6 metres high. It prefers a warm or subtropical climate, with almost no frost. It can be grown in a pot. The tree needs well drained soil rich in organic matter.

Uses: Slices of Carambola fruit are star shaped and look beautiful as a decoration on a fruit platter or salads. The fruit is good to eat fresh or made into preserves, jams or drinks. The fruit is high in vitamins A and C, and low in sugar. The juice is useful for removing stains from skin or clothing. It is also a meat tenderiser.

Medicinal uses: Carambola fruit is rich in antioxidants. It also has antimicrobial properties.

Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating.

Harvest time Harvest Carambolas in Spring to Autumn. Pick the fruit when it turns from green to deep yellow or orange.

Plant relatives Bilimbi;Star Gooseberry

Special features: Carambola fruits contain oxalic acid and are not suitable to be eaten by those with kidney disease.

Grown by method: Grafted Pot size: 6 litre

Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 3 metres high by 2 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 6 metres high by 5 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.

Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 6 litre