Where does star fruit come from and how to grow them? Find out the answers in these Star Fruit Facts!
Star Fruit Facts
Star Fruit comes from the Carambola tree and can be found in most places throughout the world. While it thrives in humid subtropical climates, the Star Fruit can also be grown in cold climates in pots, where they survive winters indoors or in greenhouses.
The Star Fruit is a tropical fruit tree that blooms several times a year and produces yellow fruits. When cut open, this fruit resembles the shape of a star, hence the name. The Carambola tree grows slowly but can reach a height of 20 to 30 feet in nature.
During the night the leaves of the Carambola fold, and then open again when the morning comes. Both sweet and sour versions of the tree exist around the world. However, the Star Fruit does not have more than 4 percent sugar, even in the sweetest fruit.
Also Read: Sassafras Tree Facts
Where Does Star Fruit Come From
This tropical fruit tree is native to Asia. The first Carambola trees were believed to be found in Sri Lanka and the Moluccas Islands in Indonesia. Now, these trees can be are grown in places such as Malaysia, Philippines, India, Taiwan, some parts of China, Hawaii, and even South Florida in the United States.
The Carambola tree thrives in warm climates and can also grow in certain regions of South America. In these various places Star Fruit can be found in orchards, someone’s yard, or just in the wild.
Also Read: Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Plants From Nursery
Growing Star Fruit (Carambola)
If you decide to plant this tree in your own yard and want to eat the fruit, make sure the tree comes from a nursery or a similar source. Fruit Trees grown from seeds can be extremely tart and take years to produce any sweet fruit.
Star Fruit tree grows best in a warm-humid climate but you can also grow it in cold climates in pots. In a pot, the Carambola tree still needs full sun and warm temperatures. Learn more about growing this fruit tree here!
If growing in a cold climate, your potted Carambola tree can be outside, but during the winter it must be brought into safety. In the greenhouse or indoors in your home. Freezing temperatures cause this tree to lose its leaves, however, the leaves return once the cold weather subsides.
Soil with high pH levels or salt is not ideal for this tree. Alkaline soil makes its leaves susceptible to chlorosis–A condition in which plant leaves turn yellow or pale due to lack of chlorophyll. One more growing requirement is proper air circulation, this fruit tree prefers some spacing to grow well.
Also Read: How to Grow Carob Tree
