Averrhoa carambola L., Sp. Pl. (1753)

Synonyms
Averrhoa acutangula Stokes
Averrhoa carambola var. angustisepala
Averrhoa pentandra Blanco
Prunum stellatum Rumph.
Sarcotheca philippica (Villar) Hallier f.
Tamara tonga Rheede

Description
Understorey tree up to 12 m tall and 36 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate, compound, leaflets penni-veined, whitish below, glabrous to hairy below, leaflet base asymmetrical. Flowers ca. 11 mm diameter, white-yellow-pink-red, placed in panicles. Fruits ca. 100 mm long, green-yellow, elongate, fleshy capsules.

Ecology
Probably not native in Borneo where it is usually planted in gardens and near villages. Sometimes escaped into coastal, mangrove, keranga and mixed dipterocarp forests up to 400 m altitude. On alluvial sites and hillsides with sandy to clay soils.

Uses
The roots are boiled and the solution is used against internal wounds. The leaves are boiled and applied against skin itches. The fruits are edible but sour (Star fruit).

Distribution
Originally probably from Java, but currently cultivated pantropical.

Local names
Borneo: Amamas, Asam belimbing, Belimbing, Belimbing asam, Buah blimbing, Penjura, Pesegi.