The yellow fruit of the carambola is shaped just like a star when sliced, hence the common name, Starfruit. It is one of the most productive of all fruit trees and fruit from the hybrid varieties are of excellent quality, very sweet, and are becoming one of the fastest-growing new exports from Florida.
This attractive, symmetrical tree prefers full to partial sun (at least 5 hours a day) and loves moisture. It grows quickly to about 20 feet, although sometimes as high as 30 feet. It tolerates most soil types as long as they are well-drained and slightly acidic.
Carambola has no salt tolerance.
Usually, there are two major blooms—one in April-May and another in September-October, with harvests June through February with peaks during August-October and December-February. Under good conditions, mature trees can yield 200-300 lbs. of fruit per year.
