Carambola, the star-shaped fruit tree

This is a most curious plant: when you cut one of its fruits, you immediately realize that they are star-shaped. It is a tropical tree that grows up to 10 meters , originally from Malaysia (specifically, it is believed to come from Caramboya and Laos), although today it is grown in practically all tropical regions of the world.

Its scientific name is Averrhoa carambola, although it is much better known by its last name: Carambola . Discover all its secrets.

Index

  • 1 Carambola Characteristics
  • 2 How to grow it?
  • 3 uses of carambola

Carambola Characteristics

carom tree

Image – Siam Pattaya City

This is a tree that reaches a height of about 10 meters, with a more or less parasol crown made up of alternate, odd-pinnate, green leaves. Its flowers appear in short clusters, and are pink.

And the fruit, without a doubt the most characteristic, is a berry with 5 prominent ribs that contains three to five longitudinal grooves, with thin skin, golden yellow when fully ripe , and is edible.

How to cultivate it?

Averrhoa carambola flowers

If you want to have one or several copies, take note:

  • Location : outside, in full sun, protected from the wind.
  • Irrigation : frequent, between 3 and 4 times a week in the hottest months, and between 2 and 3 times a week the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber : must be paid throughout the growing season (which coincides with flowering and fruiting) with organic fertilizers, such as guano, earthworm humus or manure.
  • Soil : it must have good drainage and be rich in organic matter. In limestone soils it does not thrive.
  • Rusticity : does not support the cold. Temperatures below 5ºC seriously damage it.

Carambola Uses

Cannon

This is a very ornamental plant, which looks great as an isolated specimen or planted in rows. In addition, its delicious fruits, having a more or less sweet taste, are often used to make juices or to consume in salads.

It should be noted that it is medicinal , being able to combat diarrhea, scurvy and fever, which is very interesting, don’t you think?

Carambola, the star-shaped fruit tree

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