Star Fruit 'Lara' (Averrhoa carambola)
Regular price $99.95Sweet, Highly Productive Variety Perfect for Home Gardens
Common Names: Lara Star Fruit, Carambola
Family: Oxalidaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Lara Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a highly productive and sweet variety known for its crisp texture and bright, golden-yellow fruits. Ideal for home gardeners and tropical fruit enthusiasts, Lara Star Fruit trees are grafted and capable of fruiting now, making them perfect for those seeking a quick harvest. The fruit has a sweet-tart flavor, and when sliced, it forms beautiful star-shaped pieces that are great for fresh eating, juicing, and garnishing dishes. The tree itself is compact and easy to grow, making it an excellent addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.
The Florida hybrid ‘Lara’ Carambola is known for its rich yellow-orange color and snappy, sweet flavor.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Lara produces medium-sized, golden-yellow star fruits with a crisp, juicy texture and a mildly sweet-tart flavor. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. Its unique star shape when sliced makes it perfect for garnishing beverages, fruit salads, and desserts.
Foliage: The tree has glossy, pinnate leaves that fold up at night, adding a dynamic and tropical touch to any garden.
Growth Habit: Lara is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 15-20 feet tall but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. It is well-suited for home gardens and container growing.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
Lara Star Fruit is delicious fresh and can be used in a variety of culinary dishes. The sweet-tart flavor pairs well with other tropical fruits, and its beautiful star-shaped slices make it an ideal garnish for drinks and plates. In addition to its culinary uses, the tree adds an ornamental appeal with its lush foliage and golden fruits, making it a standout in tropical landscapes.
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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