Carambola (star fruit) Averrhoa carambola
Carambola (star fruit) (Averrhoa carambola) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Oxalidaceae family, native to Sri Lanka and the Moluccas (Indonesia); cultivated across tropical Asia. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Carambola (star fruit) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Carambola (star fruit) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 17–43 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | Sri Lanka and the Moluccas (Indonesia); cultivated across tropical Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Carambola (star fruit) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: fruit, juice
Caramboxin and oxalate in the fruit can cause confusion and seizures in people with kidney disease.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Carambola (star fruit)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Carambola (star fruit)
- How far apart should I plant Carambola (star fruit)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Carambola (star fruit) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Carambola (star fruit) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Carambola (star fruit)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Carambola (star fruit) flower?
- From about April for 17–43 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Carambola (star fruit) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Caramboxin and oxalate in the fruit can cause confusion and seizures in people with kidney disease.
- What grows well with Carambola (star fruit)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Carambola (star fruit). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Frost-tender (zones 10–11); young trees are killed near 0 °C and mature trees at about −2 °C. Flowers repeatedly through the warm season, giving two or three crops a year. Cultivars are heterostylous, so mixed planting improves fruit set.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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