Carambola - Averrhoa carambola

Description and Uses

Averrhoa carambola (Carambola) is a tropical tree from Malaysia & Indonesia. It is mainly grown for its fruit crops (medium shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 4 - 5 years. The first yield will be 60 kg/tree but in its top season there will be a yield of 240 kg/tree.

. Medical uses include;

The contains - n/a - (0% - 0%). The tree`s wood is called Carambola wood and has a density of 550 - 600 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4100 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 35 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Averrhoa carambola has a lifespan of 40 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 6 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Averrhoa carambola has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by insects. Averrhoa carambola is evergreen and not allelopathic and has no thorns.

Averrhoa carambola thrives in an altitude of 0 to 900 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 0°C and optimally between 20 - 35°C. The optimal rainfall is 3000 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1500 - 3000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is intolerant to wind intolerant and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are recalcitrant and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 15000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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