Carambola (Averrhoa carambola, Sp. pl. 1:428. 1753)

Family: Oxalidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:428. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Averrhoa

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Jawa to Maluku

Description

Carambola, scientifically known as Averrhoa carambola, is a distinctive fruit-bearing tree belonging to the family Oxalidaceae. This species was first documented in 1753, capturing the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for its unique characteristics and versatility.

Originating from Southeast Asia, particularly from Central and East Jawa to the Maluku Islands, the Carambola plant thrives in tropical climates where it can achieve optimal growth. It is well-regarded not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its edible fruit, commonly referred to as star fruit due to its star-like cross-section when cut.

The Carambola tree itself is evergreen, medium-sized, and known for its attractive, glossy green foliage and small, purple to pink flowers. These flowers give way to the distinctive star-shaped fruit, which ranges in color from green to yellow-orange when fully ripe. The fruit offers a crisp texture and a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and slightly tart, making it a popular choice in various culinary applications.

In addition to its culinary uses, Carambola holds significance in traditional medicine across its native regions. The fruit, leaves, and roots are utilized in various remedies aimed at treating ailments such as fever, coughs, and digestive issues. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Carambola is also heralded for its health benefits, contributing to its popularity around the world.

Cultivation of Averrhoa carambola requires specific conditions to prosper, including a warm climate, well-drained soil, and regular watering. The tree can be sensitive to frost and waterlogged conditions, thus requiring attentiveness from growers. When properly cared for, a Carambola tree can become a prolific producer of fruit, delivering several harvests throughout the year.

In conclusion, the Carambola, or Averrhoa carambola, is a fascinating plant that not only adds visual charm to the landscape but also provides a wealth of practical uses. From its star-shaped fruit to its medicinal properties, this plant holds a notable place in both cultural and botanical contexts. Its enduring presence from Jawa to Maluku underscores its adaptability and enduring appeal.

Common Names

Deu: karambole, sternfrucht
Eng: star pickle, blimbing, caramba, carambola, five-corner, starfruit
Por: carambola, caramboleira, caramboleiro, starfruit
Fra: carambolier
Spa: carambolo
Swe: karambola
En: Carambola, Five-corner, Starfruit, Five FIngers, Caramba, Belimbing, Bhlimbhing, Star pickle, Blimbing, Star Fruit
Ar: فاكهة النجمة
Hy: Կարամբոլա
As: কৰ্দ্দৈ
Bn: কামরাঙ্গা
Bg: Карамбола
My: စောင်းလျားပင်
Ch: Bilembines
Zh: 杨桃, 楊桃
Cs: Karambola
Da: Karambol
Dv: ކާމަރަނގަ
Nl: Carambola, Stervrucht
Eo: Karambolfrukto
Et: Karamboola
Fi: Karambola, Tähtihedelmä
Fr: Carambolier, Carambole
De: Sternfrucht, Karambole
Ht: Karanbòl
He: קרמבולה
Hi: कमरख
Hu: Csillaggyümölcs
Id: Belimbing
Jv: Blimbing
Kn: ಕಮರಾಕ್ಷಿ
Kv: Карамбола
Ko: 카람볼라
Lv: Karambola
Ln: Pakapáka
Lb: Karamboll
Ms: Belimbing besi
Ml: തോടമ്പുളി
Mr: कमरक
Ne: कन्तरा
No: Stjernefrukt
Or: କରମଙ୍ଗା
Pa: ਕਮਰਖ
Fa: اختری
Pl: Oskomian pospolity
Pt: Carambola, Caramboleira, Caramboleiro, Starfruit
Ru: Карамбола
Sr: Карамбола
Sd: ڪمرنگو
Si: කමරංකා
Sk: Karambola
Es: Carambolo, Carambola.
Su: Balimbing
Sv: Karambola, Carambola
Tl: Balimbing
Ty: Raparapa
Zh-tw: 楊桃
Te: నక్షత్ర ఫలం చెట్టు
Th: มะเฟือง
To: Tapanima
Zh-hant: 楊桃
Uk: Карамбола
Vi: Khế

Synonyms

• Averrhoa pentandra (Blanco)
• Averrhoa acutangula (Stokes)
• Sarcotheca philippica ((Fern.-Vill.) Hallier f.)
• Connaropsis philippica (Fern.-Vill.)

Distribution

• Jawa (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 17, 2020 by Ay Fee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2019 by stephane RITTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2017 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2017 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Ade nabila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2021 by gioacchino trapani (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2017 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 22, 2022 by DCC (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Beverly Anderson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by SANTIAGO RAFELLIE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by anilkumar ayyappan (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2020 by Jörg Spörle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2017 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2020 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2012 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2021 by gioacchino trapani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 15, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891641)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:371870-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Averrhoa carambola L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth

Sowing: Transplant grafted sapling

Row spacing: {‘cm’: 900}

Spread: {‘cm’: 800}