Carambola is a small evergreen tree with a height of12m. Pinnate compound leaves alternate. Because leaves will react to heat and light, they will slowly close when touched by external forces. The lobules are 5- 13, ovoid to ovoid, tapering at the top, rounded at the base and skewed at the side.
Flowers are small, bisexual, with crimson branches and buds; Petals are purplish red on the back, with pale edges, sometimes pink or white, and axillary panicles; The flowering period is from late spring to autumn. Berries are ovoid to oval, light green or waxy yellow, and sometimes dark red. The fruit is a five-pointed star.
Like high temperature and humid climate, not cold-resistant. Suitable for planting in loam with deep soil layer, loose and fertile soil and rich humus. Carambola likes high temperature and humidity, and is afraid of freezing injury and drought. After a long drought and dry wind, flowers and fruits fall. Like semi-shade, avoid strong sunshine, especially in the period of flowering and young fruit; I like breezes, but I'm afraid of typhoons. The fruit stems are delicate, and the typhoon caused a large number of flowers and fruits to fall.
Carambola contains many ingredients beneficial to human health, such as sugar, protein, fat, various fibers and organic acids. Carambola also has great medicinal value, and has a good curative effect on treating aphtha, chronic headache, traumatic injury and swelling and pain.
The fiber and acid contained in it can relieve visceral heat accumulation, clear dryness and moisten intestines to relieve constipation, and it is the most suitable heat-clearing fruit for people with lung and stomach heat. In addition, carambola is an expert in treating sore throat. The leaves, flowers and roots of carambola also have good medicinal effects: its leaves have diuretic effect; Its flowers can cure cold and heat; Its roots can treat joint pain. Although carambola plays a great role, patients with kidney disease should eat less carambola.