Star Fruit 'Kari' (Averrhoa carambola)
Regular price $99.95Sweet, Prolific Star Fruit Variety
Common Names: Kari Star Fruit, Carambola
Family: Oxalidaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Kari Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a prolific and highly sweet variety of star fruit that produces large, golden-yellow fruits. Known for its balanced sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, Kari Star Fruit is a favorite among star fruit enthusiasts and home gardeners alike. The tree is grafted and capable of fruiting now, offering a fast-growing and abundant harvest. The star-shaped fruit is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy snack. With its manageable size and attractive foliage, the Kari Star Fruit tree is a perfect addition to tropical and subtropical gardens or container growing.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Kari produces large, golden-yellow star fruits with a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor. The fruit is juicy and crisp, making it ideal for fresh eating, juicing, or adding to salads and desserts. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, Kari Star Fruit is a nutritious and refreshing choice for health-conscious individuals.
Foliage: The tree features glossy, green, pinnate leaves that fold up at night, giving the garden a dynamic, tropical vibe.
Growth Habit: Kari is a medium-sized, evergreen tree that can reach up to 15-20 feet in height but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it suitable for home gardens or container growing.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
Kari Star Fruit is highly versatile in the kitchen, with its sweet-tart flavor making it perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and using in fruit salads, smoothies, or desserts. Its star-shaped slices also make a visually appealing garnish for dishes and beverages. Beyond its culinary uses, the tree adds beauty to tropical landscapes with its dense foliage and brightly colored fruits.
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type: | Evergreen Fruit Tree |
| Harvest Season: | Summer to Fall, Year-round in tropical/subtropical climates |
| Mature Size: | 15-20 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide |
| Soil & Moisture: | Well-draining soil; like regular watering but is drought-tolerant once established |
| Light Requirements: | Full Sun |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Self-fertile: | Yes |
| Zone Hardiness: | Outdoors 9-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+; Easily grown in containers! |
| Propagation: | Grafted and capable of fruiting now! |
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Averrhoa carambola |
| Common Names | Star Fruit, Carambola |
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type | Tropical to Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 20–30 ft. |
| Light | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Consistent moisture; somewhat drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5; loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter |
| Bloom Time | Year-Round in warm climates |
| Flower Color | Pink to purple |
| USDA Zones | 10–11; frost sensitive |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seed, grafting |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen; can produce multiple crops throughout the year in tropical climates |
| Time to Harvest | 2–3 years from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Medium to Fast |
Growing Notes
Star Fruit trees need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight for the best growth and fruit production. Plant in well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist, especially while young and during fruiting. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can contribute to root rot and fungal issues. When planting multiple trees, allow about 10–15 ft. of spacing for the spreading canopy.
Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 2–3 months during the growing season, and supplement with organic compost to support healthy growth. Star Fruit benefits from micronutrients such as magnesium and iron when deficiencies occur. Light pruning can remove dead or damaged branches, improve air circulation, and keep the tree at a manageable size. In containers, provide a large pot with good drainage and prune or repot as the root system develops.
Common pests include aphids, scale, fruit flies, and mealybugs. Inspect plants regularly and use insecticidal soap or neem oil when needed. Fruits are ready to harvest when they turn from green to bright golden-yellow and become slightly soft. They can be harvested by hand or cut from the tree with pruning shears. Ripe fruit can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or allowed to finish ripening at room temperature for a few days.
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