Fruit tree
Carambola
Averrhoa carambola · also Star fruit, Five corner fruit
A small tropical tree with waxy, star-shaped fruit that crops for much of the year in the tropics. It also grows in warm subtropical gardens with shelter from wind and cold. It is frost-tender, so in cool climates grow it in a large pot under cover. Choose a sweet variety.
- SunFull sun
- Spacing500 cm apart
- FrostFrost tender
- HeatHandles heat well
When to plant where you live
Checking your area…
Add carambola to my gardenTake care with pets and children
Varieties (3)
- ArkinSweet commercial variety from Florida
- Fwang TungLarge, sweet, pale fruit
- KarySweet Hawaiian variety; good for eating fresh
From seed to plate
Plant
500 cm apart. Full sun.
Water
Regular water all year; trees in the dry season tropics need irrigation to fruit.
Feed
Small, regular feeds of a balanced fruit tree fertiliser in the warm months.
Pick
Pick when the ribs turn yellow and the fruit is glossy; it bruises easily.
Good to know
- Slice crosswise for star-shaped pieces
- Keep fallen fruit picked up, especially where dogs and cats can reach it
- Grafted trees fruit within a couple of years
Common problems
- Fruit flybag fruit or pick as it colours
- Wind damage and leaf dropplant in a sheltered spot
- Yellow leaves in alkaline soiladd organic matter and use a trace element mix
If you use a garden chemical, follow the label exactly. Try organic options first, and ask the community or Plant Doctor if you're unsure.
Wildlife
Good for: bees.
Where this information comes from
- ABC Gardening Australia: Fruit Guide (starfruit, tropical, not frost tolerant) (frost, medium confidence, checked 29 Oct 2026)
- ABC Gardening Australia: Top End Tropical Fruit (growing, medium confidence, checked 29 Oct 2026)
- Pet Poison Helpline: Star Fruit (soluble oxalates; sour types highest) (toxicity, high confidence, checked 29 Oct 2026)
Reviewed by AI cross-check (Claude), not a horticulturist on 29 Oct 2026. Version 1.