This deciduous tree is a native of Ceylon and the Moluccas and it grown commercially in the warm areas of Florida and California . However it can be grown in the gardens of zones 8 to 11. If you live in zones 8 and 9 you may need to provide it with some shelter in the winter.
It is a medium to fast growing tree growing upwards of 20 to 30 feet and though it is not too particular of the type of soil you plant it in the star fruit tree will grow faster and bear more fruit if you plant it in rich loam. It also needs good drainage and will not do in areas that may get flooding or even salty water.
This short trunk trees develops lots of wide, bushy branches and requires full sun. Its deciduous leaves are soft, medium green with smooth upper surfaces with whitish undersides that have a fine hairy surface. The leaflets are very sensitive to light and will fold together at night or when the tree is shaken or abruptly shocked.
Once it flowers you will see small clusters of downy red-stalked, lilac, purple-streaked flowers which are about " wide in the axils of the leaves on the twigs.
When it bears fruit it is magnificent with oblong, showy angled fruits which may be 1 to 6 inches in length and upwards of 3 inches wide. The skin of the star fruit is thin, waxy with an orange-yellow color and the fruit is juicy and crisp when fully ripe. When you cut the fruit in a cross section it will have the form of a star, thus the name star fruit!
Some of the star fruit may have up to 12 flat, thin brown sees and some may have no seeds at all. The flavor ranges from mildly sweet to very sour and tastes something like a mix of apple, pineapple, and kiwi fruit adding great texture and flavor to salads and other cooking.
Though the star fruit tree doesn't seem to have any bad habits it is a tree that bears patience in planting and is often planted as an accent tree where the fruit has been used as a "conversation piece" more than food. However, it is good food and a good tropical fruit tree where you have a limited space to plant one.
The pests that one might have to deal with are fruit flies, stinkbugs, nematodes, black beetles, anthracnose, sooty mold and leaf spot. However, a good organic gardener will know how to handle that.
Another nice thing about the Star Fruit tree is that they are affordable to buy when you one to plant and you might consider Arkin, Sri Kem Ban Gam and Kari star fruit trees.
"Tread the Earth Lightly" and in the meantime May your day be filled with Peace, Light and Love,
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