Carambola (Starfruit) Tree 'Fwang Tung'
Carambola (Starfruit) Tree 'Fwang Tung' - 3 Gallon is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Fruit Tree Pot Size Reference Guide
Fruit Tree Pot Size Reference Guide
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We sell grafted fruit trees in various sizes, ranging from young 3-gallon plants all the way up to 25-gallon and larger, mature trees.
As a general rule of thumb, here’s what you can expect from each size:
3 gallon: Will take an average of 2-3 years before harvesting your first crop. Trees are small and may be just a single stem, or just starting to develop their first branches. Typical height is between 2-4 feet.
7 gallon: Will take an average of 1–2 years to produce a crop. Branching structure has started to develop, and trunks are between ½ to 1 inch thick. Typical height is between 3-6 feet.
15 gallon: You can usually expect fruit within a year of planting, and some trees are already fruiting at this size. Branch and canopy structure has taken shape and the tree is starting to grow wider. Trunks are between 1 to 1-½ inches thick. Typical height is 5-8 feet.
25 gallon and larger: These are mature trees, and most are ready to produce fruit or have already produced. They have been pruned and shaped multiple times at this point. Trunks are about 2” thick or larger. Typical height is 6-10 ft.
PLEASE NOTE: These descriptions are generalized - Some species of fruit trees are very quick to produce, and others take longer. For example, mulberry trees can start fruiting at a very young age, even as small as a 3 gallon. Mango, avocado, or sapodilla trees will take longer. Each species grows at a different rate and will take varying lengths of time to establish, and even different cultivars can be more precocious (quick to produce) than others.
Order Pick Up Info
Order Pick Up Info
When you select the “Nursery Pickup” option at checkout, please allow up to 24-48 hours for your order to be prepared for pickup. Once your order is ready for pickup, we will email you to let you know that it is ready. Plant orders may be held at the nursery for up to 10 days. If orders are not picked up within this time frame, a 15% restocking fee will be charged. If you are unable to pick up your order, please contact us to request a quote for delivery.
Responsibility of Care
Responsibility of Care
Return Policy
Return Policy
Inventory Disclaimer
Inventory Disclaimer
Every day, we take great care to maintain our inventory and make real-time updates as plants come and go. Because our inventory is constantly changing, and because in-store and online purchases are being made simultaneously, it is possible for a short window to occur when an item is physically sold out, but listed as in-stock on this platform. This is rare, but in the case that it does happen, we will contact you right away and either refund the item or offer an alternative. Thank you for your understanding!
Additionally, we add new plants to the nursery on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. Check back often to see what’s in stock, and click the “Notify me when this item is available” button to get updates when your wish-list items are restocked!
Carambola (Starfruit) Tree 'Fwang Tung'
Description
Description
A uniquely “white” or pale yellow colored, extra-large fruit, ‘Fwang Tung’ stands out among the Carambola varieties. It’s got a crunchier texture, and a slightly grape-like flavor twist!
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Latin name - Averrhoa carambola
Carambola (commonly known as Starfruit) originates from Southeast Asia, where it thrives in the warm tropical climate, enjoying abundant rainfall and humidity. Carambola is one of our absolute favorite fruits and grows extremely well in Florida! When cut into slices, the fruit is star-shaped, thus the common name “Starfruit”. The fruit is juicy, slightly crunchy, and very refreshing, with a flavor somewhere between an apple and a tangerine. We often recommend it as an easy-to-grow alternative to both of those fruits, which can be marginal or difficult to grow in Florida. Carambola trees produce abundantly twice per year, in spring-early summer and fall-early winter, although at maturity they can produce so frequently that there is effectively year-round fruit. Winner!
Carambola fruit contains oxalic acid, which is also found in a few common vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. For healthy individuals, oxalic acid poses no health risk, but for those with existing kidney complications, foods containing oxalic acid should be avoided. Starfruit is sweet, but not very high in sugar, and contains a significant amount of vitamin C– 41% of the recommended daily value. It can be eaten fresh off the tree, sliced up for a fruit salad, juiced, dehydrated, or even used in baking and desserts. A quick google search showed us that Carambola upside-down cake is actually pretty popular… and now we must try it. Stay tuned for the results 😋
Starfruit trees are very adaptable, fast growers, and can grow well in full sun or partial shade. They are not picky on soil type, as long as there is adequate drainage. Supplemental watering can improve fruit set and retention, but once established they can withstand Florida’s dry season without much issue. The tree itself is a beautiful, spreading grower, with curving branches and lush foliage. If left unpruned they can grow large, but are easily kept at 8-10 feet tall with a routine haircut. Starfruit trees can handle cold weather reasonably well, with some dieback of branch tips when temperatures dip below freezing. One thing to note is that Starfruit trees will not perform well in areas exposed to constant high wind, so choose your planting area strategically.
Out of all the tropical fruit trees we grow, Starfruit has consistently been one of our most popular and is one of the first trees we recommend to new growers. Its lush foliage and pretty pinkish-purple flowers add a pop of beauty to a garden, and constant availability of fruit makes it a must-have for your food forest.
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Size: Can grow to 20’+, but easily maintained at 8’-10’ with pruning.
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Cold Hardy: 30-32 degrees
Harvest Season: Spring and Fall
Watering requirements: Semi-drought tolerant once established, but will benefit from extra watering.
Food Forest Layer: Canopy, Sub Canopy, Understory
