North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["M Stanton" <6ducks@comcast.net>]

I started a starfruit tree from seed; the seed germinated easily. (I accidentally killed it, too, so I have no further experience in that regard).  However I can tell you, after sampling my way through an experimental orchard, that there are quite a few cultivars; some cultivars have wonderful fruits, while others are insipid.  Some also require cross-pollination.

 

The University of Arizona claims carambola trees can fruit when grown in a large container-link given below.

The Wikipedia starfruit article claims that the trees need less light than other tropical fruiting trees, which would seem appropriate to a tree that is going to spend part or all of its life indoors.

Star fruit trees are grafted onto seedling rootstocks, too, if that interests you.

The University of Florida’s IFAS websites are a good source of information; the following fact sheet says that trees start bearing within 10-14 months after establishment, and that the mid-canopy area (3-7’) is the area of major production.  The website also has videos of researchers with carambola trees.

Good luck!

 

 

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PI056

 

http://ag.arizona.edu/gardening/news/articles/6.9.html