Common name:
Carambola / Star fruit

Origin:
Southeast Asia

Minimum temperature:
-3 degrees Celcius

Description:
The species probably originates from the Moluccas, but is now cultivated in many tropical regions because of its fruits. The fruits are green to yellow, and have juicy, yellow, sweet-sour fruit flesh. The cross-section has the shape of a star, whereby the fruits are also known as star fruit. In nature, the species occurs as a tree which can reach a height of 12 meters that loses it leaves in dry periods. The leaves react to light and sudden movement, causing the leaves to close in the dark, after touching of the blade or when there is a lot of wind. The plant can be kept as a container plant and can withstand short periods of light frost. Put the plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and water regularly.

Germination instructions:
First soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Sow them in sowing mix and keep the soil constantly moist. Germinate them at 25-30 degC.

Sowing time:
All year round

Difficulty:
Intermediate

Photo 1: Sally Lyn Estrella
Photo 2: Forest and Kim Starr (CCA-3.0 Wikipedia)