A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z
Other Names: Five Corner Fruit, Five Finger Fruit, Balimbing
Related To:
[Oxalidiceae] Bilimbi, Oxalis
Main Uses:
Fruit
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Mature Height/Spread:
To 30 feet; generally a smaller tree.
Flowering/Pollination:
Small, White/purple, cauliflorous
Tolerance:
Moderate tolerance for both salt and drought.
Soil/Nutrition:
Widely adaptable. Fruits prolifically on soils of acidity, and fairly well on soils of alkalinity (but will tend to be chloratic). Once established, needs very little attention. Mulching and fertilization will yield copious amounts of fruit 2 or more times a year.
Light:
Half shade to full sun. Leaves are photosensitive, opening during the day, and closing at night.
Wind:
Small leaves and moderately hard wood make this a rather sturdy tree.
Temperature:
Light freezes will damage young shoots. Trees are hardy, and will quickly recover from light freeze damage. Should be considered tropical, though mature specimens will fare quite well in subtropical locations, provided shelter from chilling winds. There are mature starfruit growing and fruiting in Orlando, FL.
Dangers:
Fruits contain oxalates (as do many in the oxalidaceae family), which can promote kidney stones in certain individuals. Oxalates are concentrated in the ribs, which can be easily cut off. They are also higher in the sour fruited varieties.
Diseases Prone:
Bearing Age:
5-10 years from seed; much sooner from grafts and cuttings. Small grafted trees will fruit will attempt to fruit prolifically even in a pot. They flower and fruit continuously 2-5 times a year, with a brief respite in winter.
Fruit:
Fruit of 5-6 fins, which when sliced in half width-wise, shows a star pattern. Fruit are often cut into spears, as the seed sheaths are easily removed this way. Cultivated types are sweet, watery, aromatic, and have a refreshing flavor.
History/Origin:
Southeast Asia.
Species Observations:
Propogation:
Propagation: By seed, cuttings and grafts. Seedling trees are variable in fruit quality. Cuttings produce slightly weaker trees. Grafting is the preferred method with this species.
"Sri Kembangan" is an excellent variety with no aftertaste, becoming very commonly sold in Florida. Common, and highly recommended by the author.
"Kajang" is a large, sweet, orange colored variety named after the town of it's origin in Thailand. This variety is also highly recommended.
"Kari" is sweet and also of excellent quality.
"Fwang Tung" is sweet and prolific.
"Arkin" is acceptable, having large fruits, but is generally grown for marketing in grocery stores, being bred for shelf life, durability, etc.
Container Culture:
Starfruit is easily grown and fruited in a container.
Medicinal Uses:
Starfruits are cooling, nutritious, hydrating, and quite helpful in treating diarrhea
Nutritional Information:
Low in calories. High in soluble fiber. Vitamin C - 45 Mg per cup (higher in sour varieties), Potassium - 175 mg per cup, and Fiber. Starfruit also contains proanthocyanidins (epicatechin), which is usually associated with green tea.
Preparation / Food:
Fruits are eaten fresh or juiced.
|
|
|
"Tree is in fine shape and budding! Packing was exceptional. Thank you so much!"
- Satisfied Customer 1
"WOW, Plant is 10X better than expected. Great condition. Thank you very much."
- Satisfied Customer 2
|
|
