Starfruit are slow growing, evergreen trees only attaining a height of about 9 meters (30 feet). The crown becomes rounded with age. The leaves are light green and pinnate with five to eleven leaflets. The tiny pink flowers are fragrant and borne in clusters.

Botanically, the oblong fruit are berries. Starfruit have five ribs; cut in cross-sections, the pieces are star-shaped. The fruit are tart due to the presence of oxalic, citric, malic and other acids. Over the centuries, two main classes of starfruit emerged: a sour small-fruited type and a larger fruit which contains more sugar. The sour types are often cooked; the sweeter types are eaten out-of-hand or used in salads or as garnishes. Of course, every country where the tree is grown has added the fruit to their cuisine ranging from main dishes to desserts.

The photographed starfruit is a large sweet variety named 'Golden Star'. It was developed in Homestead, Florida during the 1940s and '50s and released for distribution in 1965.

(Compiled from: "Averrhoa", Hortus Third, Staff L.H, Bailey Hortorium, NY State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Macmillan, NY, 1976; "Carambola", Fruits of Warm Climates, Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL, 1987, published to the internet by The Center for New Crops and Plant Products, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University)