Averrhoa carambola L.

 

Family: Oxalidaceae

Synonym: Sarcotheca philippica (Fern.-Vill.) Hallier f. 

Vernacular name: Aanappulinchakka, Anappulinchi, Chathurapuli, Karambola,

Habit: Tree

Habitat:Cultivated,sometimes escaping to roadsides and secondary open forests

Distribution:  Cultivated in tropics

Flowering and Fruiting: May-August

Key identification features: This tree grows up to 12m tall and has drooping branches. The leaves are scattered along the branches. Each leaf has 3-6 pairs of leaflets. The inflorescences emerge from the axils of the leaves and are rarely found on the branches. The fruits are ovoid to ellipsoid and have a shining, yellowish-green color.

Use:     Fruit is used to treat chickenpox, intestinal parasites, headaches, and other illnesses. Star fruit contains oxalate, too much of which can be dangerous