Carambola
Averrhoa carambola
Native Region
Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia)
Max Height
5-12 meters (16-40 feet)
Family
Oxalidaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1000m
Regions
- Limón
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- Heredia
- Guanacaste
- San José
Season
Flowering
Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
Fruiting
Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec
Carambola (Star Fruit)
The Carambola (Averrhoa carambola), known as Star Fruit for the perfect five-pointed star shape of its sliced cross-sections, is one of the most visually striking tropical fruits. Native to Southeast Asia, this small evergreen tree has found a happy home in Costa Rica's lowlands, where it produces waxy, golden-yellow fruits almost year-round. The refreshing, crisp flesh—ranging from sweet to tart depending on variety—makes carambola perfect for fresh eating, juices, and adding an exotic touch to salads and drinks. Few fruits can match its ornamental beauty both on the tree and on the plate.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Averrhoa carambola
- Family
- Oxalidaceae (Wood Sorrel)
- Maximum Height
- 5-12 m
- Native Region
- Southeast Asia
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Key Trait
- Star-shaped fruit cross-section
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
5000
Observations
186
Observers
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Taxonomy and Classification
- Averrhoa: Named after Averroes, 12th-century Arab philosopher - carambola: From Portuguese "caramba" derived from Sanskrit - Star Fruit: English name from the fruit's cross-section shape - Related to the bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi), also grown in Costa Rica
Common Names
| Language/Region | Common Name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish (CR) | Carambola, Fruta Estrella | Both names used |
| English | Star Fruit, Starfruit | Most common |
| Portuguese | Carambola | Same as Spanish |
| French | Carambole | French variant |
| Chinese | Yang Tao (杨桃) | Yang peach |
| Thai | Ma Fueang | Local name |
| Malaysian | Belimbing Manis | Sweet starfruit |
Related Species
| Species | Common Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Averrhoa carambola | Carambola (THIS) | Sweet to tart fruit |
| Averrhoa bilimbi | Bilimbi/Pepino | Very sour, pickle-like |
Physical Description
General Form
The Carambola is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree with a short trunk and a dense, rounded to spreading crown. It's highly ornamental with attractive foliage and produces its eye-catching fruits directly on branches and trunk.
Identification Features
Bark and Trunk
- Bark color: Grayish-brown
- Texture: Smooth, becoming slightly rough
- Trunk: Short, branching low
- Form: Bushy, ornamental
Leaves
- Type: Compound, pinnate
- Leaflets: 5-11 per leaf
- Size: Leaflets 3-9 cm long
- Shape: Oval to elliptic
- Texture: Soft, slightly hairy
- Color: Medium green
- Movement: Leaflets fold at night (nyctinastic)
- Touch-sensitive: Fold when touched
Flowers
- Size: Small, 6-10 mm
- Color: Pink to lavender with purple veins
- Location: On twigs and branches
- Arrangement: Small clusters (panicles)
- Fragrance: Mild, pleasant
- Timing: Multiple flushes per year
Fruit (THE STAR!)
- Shape: Oblong with 5 prominent ribs
- Size: 6-15 cm long
- Cross-section: Perfect 5-pointed star
- Skin: Waxy, thin, edible
- Color: Green → Golden yellow when ripe
- Flesh: Translucent, crisp, juicy
- Seeds: Few to none (1-5 per fruit)
- Taste: Sweet to tart (variety dependent)
Sweet varieties: Look for fully golden-yellow fruits with some brown ridges Tart varieties: Usually green to pale yellow, used for cooking/juice Ripe sweet carambola should: - Be uniformly golden-yellow - Have slight brown edges on ribs - Feel firm but not hard - Have a fragrant, sweet aroma
Ecology and Habitat
Distribution in Costa Rica
| Region | Abundance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Limón Province | Common | Caribbean humid climate ideal |
| Puntarenas | Common | Pacific lowlands |
| Alajuela lowlands | Moderate | San Carlos area |
| Central Valley | Less common | Cooler temperatures |
| Guanacaste | Moderate | With irrigation |
Climate Preferences
Optimal Conditions
- Temperature: 20-35°C (68-95°F)
- Rainfall: 1500-3000 mm annually
- Humidity: High preferred
- Elevation: Sea level to 1000 m
- Soil: Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
Tolerances
- Cold: Frost sensitive; damaged below 2°C
- Wind: Moderate tolerance
- Salt: Some tolerance
- Drought: Poor tolerance
- Waterlogging: Poor tolerance
Ecological Notes
Pollinators
- Bees: Primary pollinators
- Self-pollination: Partially self-fertile
- Cross-pollination: Improves fruit set
- Flower timing: Opens morning, falls same day
Wildlife Value
- Birds: Eat ripe fruit
- Bats: May visit fruit
- Insects: Nectar source
- Ornamental: Attracts butterflies
Varieties
Sweet vs Tart Types
| Type | Characteristics | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet varieties | Low acid, high sugar, eat fresh | Fresh eating, garnish |
| Tart varieties | High oxalic acid, sour | Cooking, juice, preserves |
Notable Cultivars
| Cultivar | Origin | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Arkin | Florida | Sweet, good producer |
| Fwang Tung | Thailand | Very sweet, large |
| Kary | Hawaii | Sweet, heavy producer |
| Star King | Taiwan | Sweet, firm |
| Golden Star | Florida | Golden, sweet |
Uses
Culinary Applications
| Use | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh eating | Sliced into stars, eaten whole | Most common use |
| Garnish | Decorative slices on dishes/drinks | Visual appeal |
| Juice | Fresh squeezed | Refreshing |
| Salads | Fruit and green salads | Adds crunch |
| Pickles | Tart varieties preserved | Asian cuisine |
| Jams/Jellies | Preserves | Tart types |
| Cooking | Curries, stir-fries | Southeast Asian |
Making Beautiful Star Slices
For perfect star garnishes:
- Choose firm, fully ripe fruit
- Wash thoroughly
- Trim brown edges from ribs (optional)
- Slice crosswise, 5-8mm thick
- Remove any seeds
- Float in drinks or arrange on plates
Pro tip: A slightly underripe fruit holds its shape better for garnishing, while fully ripe is sweeter for eating.
Nutritional Value
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 31 kcal | 1.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.7 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 2.8 g | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 34.4 mg | 38% |
| Vitamin A | 61 IU | 1% |
| Potassium | 133 mg | 3% |
| Copper | 0.13 mg | 14% |
Carambola is one of the lowest-calorie tropical fruits! At only 31 kcal per 100g, it's a guilt-free, refreshing snack packed with vitamin C and fiber.
Health Warning
Carambola can be dangerous for people with kidney problems!
Star fruit contains oxalic acid and caramboxin, which can cause serious complications in people with:
- Kidney disease
- Kidney failure
- Those on dialysis
Symptoms of toxicity include: hiccups, vomiting, confusion, seizures
People with healthy kidneys can safely enjoy carambola in normal amounts. If you have ANY kidney issues, consult your doctor before eating star fruit!
Medicinal Uses
| Use | Part | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Fever reduction | Fruit | Fresh juice |
| Cough relief | Fruit | With honey |
| Hangover remedy | Juice | Traditional use |
| Skin conditions | Fruit | Topical application |
Cultivation
Growing Carambola
Production
| Factor | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First fruit (grafted) | 1-2 years | Quick producer |
| Peak production | 4-10 years | Mature trees |
| Fruits per year | 100-200 kg/tree | Well-maintained |
| Harvest seasons | 2-3 per year | Multiple flushes |
| Tree lifespan | 25+ years | Long productive life |
Cultural Significance
In Costa Rica
- Hotel and restaurant gardens: Ornamental and fruit
- Backyard cultivation: Common in humid areas
- Tourist appeal: Distinctive tropical fruit
- Markets: Available when in season
- Juice bars: Fresh juices
Global Importance
| Region | Significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Major fruit crop | Original homeland |
| Taiwan | Important export | Large producer |
| Malaysia | Traditional fruit | Many varieties |
| Florida | Commercial production | US market |
| Australia | Growing industry | Northern regions |
Conservation Status
Status: Least Concern (LC)
As a widely cultivated species, carambola faces no conservation concerns. It has been successfully introduced throughout tropical regions worldwide and is commercially important in several countries.
Quick Identification Guide
Key Identification Features
- Small ornamental tree (5-12 m) with dense crown 2. Compound leaves with touch-sensitive leaflets 3. Small pink-lavender flowers in clusters
- Distinctive ribbed fruits with 5 prominent ridges 5. Perfect star shape when sliced crosswise 6. Waxy yellow skin when ripe 7. Crisp, translucent flesh with refreshing taste
References and Further Reading
| Resource | Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Morton, J. Fruits of Warm Climates | Book | Comprehensive guide |
| USDA Plants Database | Database | Distribution data |
| Tropical Fruit Trees | Technical | Cultivation methods |
| Food Safety Research | Scientific | Kidney toxicity studies |
