Tuesday 15 September 2015

Star Fruits (Averrhoa carambola )




 The "Carambola" or "Averrhoa carambola" is a bushy evergreen tree with many branches. It is slow-growing and short-trunked tree. The average height of a mature tree is 25-30 feet and it can spread to 20-25 feet.

It is known as Starfruit as it will exactly look like a star if cut in cross-section slices. The skin is thin, smooth and has a waxy surface. Mixed with Light and dark yellow. The flesh is soft and juicy, without fibre. It tastes mild, sour but best when ripe.

The flowers are fragrant, pink or dark pink, 3/8 inch in diameter. Blooms in a group in axils of leaves on young branches. And on older branches, they bloom without leaves. They can bloom throughout the year.

The leaves are 2 - 5 inches long, soft, light green and spirally arranged. Smooth on the upper surface and slightly hairy and whitish underside. The leaflets are 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches in length, more or less sensitive to light and are prone to fold together at night.

GERMINATION GUIDE

Common Name: Star Fruit
Type: Tropical
Sunlight: Full sun
Plant Height: 25 - 30 feet
Seed Spacing: 6 to 18 inches apart in all directions
Days to Germination: 10 - 21
Life circle : Annuals
Bloom time : September and October
Fruiting time: April to June
Soil type : Sandy or Well drained soilPh level : 5.5 - 6.5

Benefits and side effect:

1. The star fruit is a decent source of several nutrients — especially fiber and vitamin C.
2. Star fruit may cause adverse effects in some people, mainly due to its high oxalate content.

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