Star Fruit 'Arkin' (Averrhoa carambola)
Regular price $99.95Abundant Sweet Large Crispy Fruit
Common Names: Arkin Star Fruit, Carambola
Family: Oxalidaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia (cultivated in Florida and tropical regions)
Arkin Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is the most popular star fruit variety in Florida, prized for its sweet flavor, crisp texture, and high productivity. This variety was developed to thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate, producing abundant crops of golden-yellow, star-shaped fruits. The fruit has a perfect balance of sweetness and mild acidity, making it ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and adding to salads and desserts. The grafted Arkin trees are capable of fruiting now, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking fast results. In addition to its delicious fruit, the tree’s attractive foliage and manageable size make it a standout in home gardens.
This Carambola variety was hybridized by Morris Arkin, a Washington, D.C. native stockbroker who retired into the fruitful world of horticulture. In reaping the benefits of homegrown life, the Arkin Star Fruit was born.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Arkin produces medium to large, golden-yellow star fruits with a crisp, juicy texture and a sweet-tart flavor. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it a healthy snack. Its unique star shape when sliced adds a decorative touch to any dish. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in juices, smoothies, salads, and desserts.
Foliage: The tree features glossy green, pinnate leaves that fold up at night. Its dense foliage provides an attractive, tropical look to the garden.
Growth Habit: Arkin is a medium-sized, evergreen tree that grows up to 15-20 feet tall, but it can be pruned to maintain a smaller, more manageable size. It’s well-suited for home gardens, landscapes, or container growing.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
The Arkin Star Fruit’s sweet-tart flavor makes it highly versatile in the kitchen. It can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in fruit salads, desserts, and smoothies. Its signature star-shaped slices are perfect for garnishing dishes and drinks. As an ornamental plant, the tree adds beauty to gardens with its lush foliage and vibrant, golden fruit.
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.
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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