This small tree has a smooth greyish green trunk with spreading arching branches that form a compact rounded crown. It has divided glossy dark green leaves and the small pinkish funnel-shaped flowers are followed by yellowish lantern-shaped edible fruit.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Averrhoa carambolais naturally found throughout south-east Asia from Papua New Guinea to Indonesia and Malaysia growing in humid tropical climates, on the coast and into the mountains from sea level to an altitude of 1,200 m (4,000 ft).

It prefers an open sunny position but will tolerate some shade and grows in deep well-drained fertile moist clay to sandy loams with a pH 5.5-6.5. When young this tree is sensitive to frost and can tolerate short periods of drought if temperatures remain high.

Star Fruit has grown for its fruit and its foliage. It is planted in tropical parks and gardens as a specimen or shade tree and is grown commercially for its editable fruit. It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions establishing in 3-5 years and is moderately long-lived. ID 2634

Note:
It has long been used by the Chinese as an antidote for high blood pressure and in Indonesia the flowers are used in the relief of coughs.

Averrhoa (AV-ah-ROH-ah) carambola (KAH-ram-BOH-lah)

Oxalidaceae(ok-SAL-e-DAY-see-ee)