Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) 2L Pot
Averrhoa carambola is a tropical fruit tree grown for its compound foliage, pink flowers and ridged yellow fruit.
Starfruit develops a branching habit with leaves divided into several green leaflets. The leaflets may fold together during the evening, in low light or when the plant is disturbed.
Mature plants produce clusters of small pink to lavender flowers followed by waxy, deeply ridged fruit. When cut across the middle, the fruit forms the star shape from which its common name is derived.
Ripe fruit is crisp and juicy, with a flavour ranging from sharp to sweet depending on the individual seedling and level of ripeness.
In the UK, Starfruit is best grown in a heated greenhouse, conservatory or bright indoor growing space.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Averrhoa carambola
Common names: Starfruit, Carambola, Five-Finger Fruit
Plant family: Oxalidaceae
Habit: Branching evergreen tropical shrub or small tree
Potential height: Approximately 2–4 metres in a large container, depending on pruning
Foliage: Compound leaves with several green leaflets
Flowers: Small pink to lavender flowers
Fruit: Waxy, deeply ridged fruit ripening from green to yellow
Position: Full sun or bright partial shade
Suitable for: Heated greenhouses, conservatories and large containers
Hardiness: Very tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Starfruit in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost. Move the plant into progressively larger containers as it develops.
Keep the compost evenly moist throughout active growth. Starfruit does not respond well to prolonged drought, but the roots should never remain waterlogged.
Place the plant in a warm, humid and sheltered position with good light. Protect young plants from cold draughts and sudden exposure to intense sunlight.
Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Change to a high-potassium feed if the plant begins flowering.
Overwinter in a bright, heated greenhouse, conservatory or indoor growing space. Keeping the plant above approximately 10–12°C is recommended.
Some leaf drop may occur in response to cool temperatures, dry air or changes in growing conditions.
Fruiting in the UK
Starfruit requires warmth, strong light and plant maturity before flowering and fruiting.
Some plants can be partly self-fertile, while others may set fruit more successfully when cross-pollinated with another plant.
Fruit production is possible in a heated greenhouse or conservatory but cannot be guaranteed in the UK. Seed-grown plants may take several years to reach flowering size.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Starfruit plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.
Plant size, branching and leaflet development will vary naturally depending on the time of year.
Important Information
Seed-grown Starfruit plants are naturally variable. Future fruit may be sweet, sharp or intermediate in flavour.
Keep the plant away from pets and children that may chew the foliage.