Star Fruit 'Fwang Tung' (Averrhoa carambola)
Regular price $99.95Sweet and Juicy Tropical Delight
Common Names: Fwang Tung Star Fruit, Carambola, Star Apple
Family: Oxalidaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Fwang Tung Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a highly productive variety known for its large, sweet, and juicy fruits with minimal acidity. Unlike many other star fruit varieties, Fwang Tung is renowned for its sweetness and mild flavor, making it perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and adding to salads or desserts. The tree is grafted for faster growth and earlier fruiting, so it is capable of producing fruit now, offering gardeners a quick reward. This variety is prized for its ability to bear fruit multiple times a year in warm climates, making it an excellent addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Fwang Tung produces large, golden-yellow star fruits that are sweet and crisp, with a mild, pleasant flavor. Its fruits are less acidic compared to other varieties, making them ideal for those who prefer a more delicate sweetness. Star fruit is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and refreshing choice for health-conscious individuals.
Foliage: The tree has glossy green, pinnate leaves that fold up at night, creating a visually interesting display in the garden.
Growth Habit: Fwang Tung is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 15-20 feet tall, but it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it suitable for home gardens or container growing.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
Fwang Tung star fruit can be enjoyed fresh, juiced, or used in various culinary applications such as salads, desserts, and drinks. Its mild sweetness pairs well with other tropical fruits, and its star-shaped cross-sections make it a beautiful garnish for plates and beverages. The tree’s lush foliage and bright yellow fruits add an ornamental touch to tropical gardens, making it both productive and visually appealing.
| 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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