🌟 Sri Kembangan Starfruit Tree (Averrhoa carambola ‘Sri Kembangan’)
Exceptionally sweet · low-acid · a favorite for fresh eating 🌿
The Sri Kembangan Starfruit is widely regarded as one of the sweetest, lowest-acid starfruit cultivars available, making it a top choice for fresh eating straight off the tree. This variety is especially popular among growers who want a dessert-quality starfruit with minimal tartness and a smooth, juicy bite.
When planted in a protected, thoughtfully placed microclimate, Sri Kembangan rewards growers with reliable harvests, beautiful fruit clusters, and strong ornamental appeal.
Ships in a 1-gallon container
🌿 Quick Facts Guide
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Averrhoa carambola ‘Sri Kembangan’ |
| Common Name | Sri Kembangan Starfruit / Carambola |
| Plant Type | Tropical fruit tree |
| Container Size | 1-gallon (#1) |
| Estimated Age | ~12–24 months (grafted) |
| Mature Height | 12–18 ft unpruned · 8–12 ft maintained |
| Mature Width | 8–12 ft |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 (container culture outside zone) |
| Growth Habit | Upright, spreading, productive |
| Spacing | 12–18 ft (closer in protected plantings) |
🍈 Fruit Details — Dessert-Quality Starfruit
- Flavor Profile: Very sweet, low acid, mild tropical notes
- Texture: Juicy, crisp flesh with thin edible skin
- Color: Pale yellow ripening to rich golden yellow
- Fruit Size: Medium to large
- Harvest Season (Florida): Late summer through winter
- Production: Heavy once established
💡 Sri Kembangan is often chosen by growers who find other starfruit cultivars too tart.
🌱 Why Grow Sri Kembangan Starfruit?
- ⭐ One of the sweetest starfruit cultivars available
- ⭐ Low-acid — ideal for fresh eating
- ⭐ Excellent for families and first-time starfruit growers
- ⭐ Performs well in containers and protected landscapes
- ⭐ Strong ornamental and edible value
This is the go-to starfruit for people who want sweetness first.
🌤️🌬️ Best Location & Exposure (Critical for Success)
Sri Kembangan follows the same placement rules as all Carambola — and thrives when those rules are respected.
Ideal placement includes:
- Beneath hardwood canopies (oak is ideal)
- Bright, dappled light conditions
- Courtyards, garden rooms, and side yards
- Next to structures (homes, fences, walls)
- Areas protected from prevailing winds
🌬️ Wind protection is essential.
Unprotected wind causes leaf damage, flower drop, and reduced fruit quality.
🚫 Open, exposed, full-sun locations often result in stress, leaf burn, and poor fruiting.
Origin Story & Cultivar Background
The Sri Kembangan cultivar originates from Malaysia, where it was selected and propagated specifically for its exceptional sweetness and low acidity. Over time, it became one of the most sought-after starfruit varieties for fresh consumption throughout Southeast Asia and later in Florida and other subtropical regions.
Traditionally, starfruit trees were planted near homes and within mixed tropical gardens — benefiting from partial shade, calm air, and consistent moisture.
Culinary, Cultural & Nutritional Uses
Best uses include:
- Fresh eating (fully ripe fruit is very sweet)
- Fruit platters and salads
- Salsas, chutnies & salads
- Juices and smoothies
- Light desserts and garnishes
Nutritional highlights:
- High vitamin C
- Fiber-rich
- Antioxidants
⚠️ As with all starfruit, individuals with kidney conditions should consult medical guidance before consumption.
🌳 Ornamental & Landscape Value
- Glossy, pinnate foliage
- Attractive fruit clusters
- Elegant tropical form
- Excellent understory fruit tree in food forests
🪴 Container, Patio & Indoor Growing
- Performs very well in containers
- Start in 5–7 gallon pots
- Gradually up-pot to 15–25 gallons
- Requires consistent watering
- Rolling caddies help fine-tune placement
Indoor growing is possible short-term with bright, indirect light but performs best outdoors in protected conditions.
🌿 Best Practices for Planting & Care
Averrhoa carambola ‘Sri Kembangan’
Before Planting
- Keep plant in original container 30 days or until new growth appears
- Transplant only after roots begin filling the pot
Planting — High & Tight Method
- Dig hole slightly wider than container, same depth
- Plant at or slightly above grade
- Firm soil around roots — never bury the trunk
- Top dress with compost, biochar, and minerals
- Mulch with hardwood, keeping mulch off trunk
🎥 Planting guide:
https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI
Watering
- Containers: daily during warm periods
- In-ground: drip irrigation preferred
- Avoid overhead watering
- Adjust based on soil moisture and plant response
Pruning
- Light pruning after harvest
- Remove crossing or wind-damaged branches
- Maintain airflow without overexposing canopy
Cold Tolerance & Recovery
- Continues fruiting through light freezes
- Leaf drop typically occurs around 28–30°F
- Defoliation is normal and temporary
Graft recovery rule:
After cold damage, regrowth must occur above the graft union to retain the Sri Kembangan variety. Remove any growth below the graft.
🌿 Organic Guild & Companion Plants (From Our Nursery)
Nitrogen Fixers:
- Pigeon Pea
- Sunshine Mimosa
- Perennial Peanut
Pollinator Plants:
- Mexican Sunflower
- Blue Pea Vine
- Native salvias
Aesthetic & Functional Companions:
- Ginger & turmeric
- Heliconia
- Shaded tropical foliage plants
🔍 Troubleshooting Guide
- 🍂 Leaf drop — cold exposure or transplant stress (normal)
- ☀️ Leaf scorch — excess exposure
- 🌬️ Flower drop — wind stress
- 🍋 Reduced sweetness or yield — inconsistent watering or excess nitrogen
✅ Solution: protected placement, steady moisture, organic nutrition
❓ FAQ
Is Sri Kembangan sweet?
Yes — it is considered one of the sweetest, lowest-acid starfruit varieties.
Does it tolerate wind?
No. Calm, protected locations are essential.
Is it deciduous?
Semi-deciduous. Leaf drop may occur after cold or stress.
Can it be grown in a container long-term?
Yes, with proper pruning and placement.
🚚 Shipping & Handling Notes
1-gallon plants ship best to Florida, the Southeast & Texas.
Nationwide shipping available via UPS Ground (Mondays only).
Plants shipped outside our core region may require recovery time after transit. Buyer discretion advised during extreme heat or cold.
🏡 Local Pickup Available
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
🌾 18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
🕘 Tues–Fri 9AM–5PM | 🌞 Sat 8AM–3PM
🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services
At GreenDreams, we do more than sell plants — we design, install, and restore regenerative landscapes across Florida.
- 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
- 🚜 Installation & project management
- 🚚 Compost, mulch, biochar & soil delivery
- 🌾 Wholesale & large-scale regenerative solutions
Let us help you place your Sri Kembangan Starfruit exactly where it will thrive.
🌿 IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS
Please note: Plants purchased through our online store are not available for pickup at our retail nursery in Spring Hill, Florida.
Online inventory is housed at a separate facility and is priced, prepared, and handled exclusively for shipping.
🌱 Looking for larger plants or more selection?
Our retail nursery location offers far more availability, including larger sizes, specialty plants, and many selections not suitable for nationwide shipping.
Local pickup is available for retail nursery purchases only.
Visit our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery page to explore in-person shopping options.
🚚 LIVE PLANT SHIPPING & TRANSIT EXPECTATIONS
Live plants naturally experience stress during shipping. Temporary leaf drop, mild wilting, or cosmetic stress is normal after transit. Most plants recover quickly with proper watering, gradual light exposure, and basic aftercare. Some plants may require additional attention during the first few weeks.
Despite careful packing, minor cosmetic damage may occur during transit. Small issues such as broken leaves or stems typically resolve with time and proper care.
If your shipping box arrives with significant external damage, please contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a carrier claim.
⏱️ SHIPPING METHOD, TIMING & TRANSIT WINDOWS
All online orders ship via UPS Ground from our Central Florida nursery.
📦 Shipping Schedule: Orders ship once weekly on Mondays to reduce the risk of packages sitting in transit over weekends. A countdown clock on our website displays the next shipping date.
🚚 Typical Transit Times:
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Florida: 1–2 days
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Southern U.S.: approximately 2 days
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Midwest, West & Northern U.S.: 3–5 business days
Long-distance shipments, particularly to the western U.S., may experience additional transit time due to agricultural inspections in states such as Arizona, California, and Texas.
Extended transit times can be more challenging for small or tender plants and may require additional recovery care after arrival.
🌡️ EXTREME WEATHER & SEASONAL RISK
Live plants are sensitive to temperature extremes.
We cannot guarantee plant condition during periods of extreme summer heat or winter cold and freezing temperatures. Weather-related delays, carrier interruptions, or exposure during delivery are beyond our control.
Customers are responsible for:
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Monitoring tracking information sent via email
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Retrieving packages promptly upon delivery
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Preventing plants from being left outdoors in extreme conditions
During unsafe weather, holiday shipping volume, or extended transit risk, orders may be held and shipped the following week to protect plant health.
⚠️ CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY & REFUND POLICY
By purchasing live plants, customers acknowledge and accept the risks associated with shipping, weather exposure, transit delays, and regional suitability.
Refunds or replacements are considered only under exceptional circumstances and in accordance with our return and refund policy. We are not responsible for:
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Weather-related damage
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Carrier delays
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Poor plant selection for a given climate or region
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Improper care after delivery
Upon purchase, customers assume full responsibility for the ongoing care and success of their plants.
✅ CONSENT & AGREEMENT
By completing a purchase, you confirm that you have read, understand, and agree to all shipping policies, responsibilities, and conditions outlined above.
Our goal is transparency, plant health, and long-term growing success — and we appreciate your understanding and care when ordering live plants.
