Averrhoa carambola L.

  

        Scientific Name: 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: Tree growing up to 12 m tall; branches drooping. Leaves scattered along branches, each with 3-6 pairs of leaflets. Inflorescences emerge from leaf axils, rarely found on branches. Fruits ovoid to ellipsoid, shining, yellowish-green.

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

Use: Averrhoa carambola leaves and fruit have traditional medicinal uses, including treating fever and promoting digestion. Starfruit is also rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body