Starfruit

Overview

Starfruit is a small, bushy tree that bears crisp, juicy fruit with a star-shaped cross-section. It can fruit several times a year in warm climates.

History

Native to Southeast Asia, it is now grown throughout the tropics.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Likes warm, sheltered sites with good drainage and steady moisture.
• Wind can damage flowers and fruit.

Planting and propagation

• Grafted sweet varieties are best; seedlings vary.
• Plant in rich, well-drained soil and mulch well.

Care and maintenance

• Prune lightly to shape and keep fruit reachable.
• Water during dry spells while flowering and fruiting.

Role in the guild

A good small fruit tree for the sub-canopy of a guild, with pigeon pea and ground covers around it.

Harvest

Pick fruit when mostly yellow; it keeps ripening off the tree.

Uses

• Food: fresh, juiced, or in salads and preserves.

Important caution

People with kidney disease should not eat starfruit. It contains a toxin that healthy kidneys remove but damaged kidneys cannot, which can cause serious illness. Starfruit is also high in oxalates.

Problems to watch

• Fruit flies on ripe and fallen fruit.
• Wind damage to flowers.

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.