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Carambola Kari

Carambola Kari

$59.00 - $59.00
$59.00
$59.00 - $59.00
$59.00
The Carambola 'Kari' tree, a sweet and prolific variety of star fruit, is a tropical treasure known for its juicy, star-shaped fruit and ornamental appeal. Below is a detailed guide covering its taste, growing environment, and care requirements, formatted for clarity.
Taste
  • Flavor Profile: The 'Kari' star fruit offers a sweet, juicy taste with minimal tartness, blending flavors reminiscent of apple, grape, and citrus with a crisp, refreshing texture.
  • Culinary Uses: Ideal for fresh eating, salads, juicing, or desserts, its low-calorie, nutrient-rich fruit (high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants) also shines as a garnish or in cooked dishes like curries and preserves.
  • Variety Specifics: Compared to tart varieties, 'Kari' is notably sweeter, with a rounder shape and less green-edged wings, making it a favorite for those preferring a milder, sweeter fruit.
Best Growing Environment
  • Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with warm, humid conditions and temperatures consistently above 60°F (16°C). It performs best in frost-free environments.
  • Soil: Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5), ideally loamy or sandy enriched with organic matter like compost for optimal growth. Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
  • Location: Requires a sunny, wind-sheltered spot to prevent moisture loss and toppling. In high-temperature regions (>95°F), part shade may be beneficial to reduce stress.
Botanical Name
  • Scientific Name: Averrhoa carambola 'Kari', a cultivated variety of the star fruit tree within the Oxalidaceae family.
  • Origin: Developed at the University of Hawaii, with the species originating from Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka and the Moluccas.
Common Names
  • Primary Names: Star Fruit 'Kari', Carambola 'Kari', Kari Star Fruit.
  • Other Names: Shares species-level names like Starfruit, Carambola, Five Corners, Kamrakh, Karambal, Caturappuli, Yang Tao, and Kamranga.
  • Regional Variations: Known as 'Sri Kembangan' in some contexts, though this may refer to a closely related cultivar.
Average Height
  • Mature Height: Typically reaches 20–30 feet tall in ideal conditions, though often smaller (8–15 feet) in containers or with pruning.
  • Canopy Spread: Spreads 20–25 feet wide, forming a bushy, rounded canopy that can be managed for smaller spaces.
  • Container Growth: Dwarf varieties like 'Kari' can be maintained at 3–10 feet in pots, making them suitable for patios or indoor growing.
Growth Rate
  • Speed: Slow to moderate growth rate, with grafted 'Kari' trees fruiting faster (within 1–2 years) compared to seed-grown trees (3–5 years).
  • Factors Affecting Growth: Faster growth occurs in rich, loamy soils, full sun, and warm climates, while cold or poor soil slows development.
  • Container Considerations: Growth is slower in pots due to root restriction, but 'Kari' remains productive even in smaller containers.
Sun Requirements
  • Light Needs: Full sun (at least 8 hours daily) is essential for optimal growth and fruit production. Partial shade is tolerated but may reduce yield.
  • Indoor Growing: When grown indoors, place near a south-facing window or use grow lights to mimic full sun conditions.
  • High-Temperature Areas: In regions with extreme heat (>95°F), afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch and stress.
Cold Hardiness
  • USDA Zones: Best suited for USDA zones 10–11, with some success in zone 9 with frost protection.
  • Frost Sensitivity: Mature trees tolerate brief light frosts (down to 27°F), but young trees are damaged at 32°F and require protection.
  • Winter Care: In colder climates, grow in containers and move indoors or use frost cloths, bubble wrap, or fleece to shield from cold.
Water Requirements
  • Frequency: Requires regular watering to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and fruiting.
  • Young Trees: Water frequently to establish roots, reducing to when soil is dry for mature trees. Overwatering risks pests and root rot.
  • Drought Tolerance: Slightly drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture enhances fruit quality and yield.
Planting Guide
  • Timing: Plant in spring or early summer when soil is warm and frost risk is past, ideally in zones 10–11 or containers in cooler areas.
  • Site Preparation: Choose a sunny, wind-sheltered spot 20–30 feet from other trees or structures. Loosen soil 3–4 times the root ball’s diameter, ensuring good drainage.
  • Planting Process: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball but wider, place the tree at the same depth as its nursery pot, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly. Avoid adding fertilizer or compost to the hole. Mulch with 2–3 inches of organic material to retain moisture.
Fertilizing Times and Recommended Fertilizer
  • Young Trees: Apply ¼–½ pound of a 6-8% nitrogen, 2-4% phosphoric acid, 6-8% potash, and 3-4% magnesium fertilizer (e.g., 6-6-6-3 or 10-10-10) every 30–60 days from spring through fall, pausing in winter.
  • Mature Trees: Use 1–5 pounds of the same fertilizer 4–6 times per year, ideally in early spring, late spring, summer, and early fall. In fertile soils, reduce to 1–2 applications.
  • Micronutrients: Apply chelated iron, manganese, and zinc 3–6 times annually to prevent deficiencies, especially in alkaline soils, using foliar sprays or soil applications. Slow-release granular or organic fertilizers are ideal for containers.
USDA Zone
  • Primary Zones: USDA zones 9b–11 for outdoor planting, where temperatures rarely drop below 30°F.
  • Marginal Zones: Zone 9 with frost protection (e.g., frost cloths or indoor relocation).