Carambola

Averrhoa carambola

Averrhoa carambola, commonly known as star fruit or carambola, is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the star fruit tree is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Here's an informative description of Averrhoa carambola:

1. Tree Characteristics:

  • Size: Star fruit trees are small to medium-sized evergreen trees, reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters).
  • Leaves: The pinnate leaves are compound, alternate, and usually have 5-11 leaflets. They are glossy green and give the tree an attractive appearance.

2. Fruit:

  • Shape: The fruit is the most distinctive feature of the star fruit tree, and it gets its name from the five-pointed star shape when sliced horizontally. The cross-section resembles a star, making it visually appealing.
  • Color: Depending on the variety, the skin of the fruit can range from light green to yellow when ripe.
  • Flavor: The taste of star fruit is a unique blend of sweet and tart, and the entire fruit is edible, including the thin, waxy skin.
  • Texture: The flesh is crisp and juicy, and the texture is often compared to a combination of apples and grapes.

3. Flower:

  • Appearance: The tree produces small, lilac to pink, bell-shaped flowers, typically with five petals. These flowers are generally inconspicuous compared to the striking appearance of the fruit.