Averrhoa carambola L.

Description :

This plant is an evergreen small sized but rapidly growing tree; it grows up to the height of 3.5 to 10 m. The tree has many branches. The leaves are pinnate and have a single terminal leaflet and 5 to 12 virtually opposite leaflets. Single leaf is about 12 to 20cm long, and leaflets are 3 to 9 cm long. Leaflets are ovate - oblong in shape. At the end of the branches or sometimes on the stem flowers are present and they are arranged in small clusters. Single flower has 5 petals and about 6 mm wide. The fruits have an oblong shaped; they are 8 to 16 com long and around 10 cm wide. The fruit has a waxy thin structure and is yellowish orange in color. Every fruit may have around 10 to 12 seeds which are 5 to 12 cm long and are brown and thin. In come cultivated trees the fruit have no seeds.

Distribution :

This plant is cultivated in Southeast Asia. It has also been cultivated in Indian subcontinent including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It prefers to grow at the altitude of about 1100 m in hot and humid tropical regions. They can also grow in subtropical areas because they can tolerate cold temperatures.

Uses :

The fruit is edible and eaten raw as well as cooked and has the star like shape when cut In Malaysia. The starfruit is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. The fruit has also been used to make traditional medicines for the treatment of chickenpox and many other problems. The juice of the fruit can be used to remove stains from linen. The leaves are used to treat the problem of rheumatoid disorders. The powdered seeds are used to treat asthma jaundice and colic.