“My starfruit — in a pot in the shaded sitting area. (The Maher tree shown in the videos is neighbor Jim's, not mine.)”
Background
'Kari' (also spelled 'Kary') is a sweet-fruited Hawaiian selection of carambola. It appears in the University of Florida IFAS recommended-variety table (listed as 'Kary,' origin Hawaii, sweet, yellow to dark yellow-orange, 'very good quality and flavor,' recommended). A 2007 University of Puerto Rico yield trial found 'Kari' produced significantly longer fruit (about 12-13 cm) than the other eight cultivars tested at all three locations. Beyond that, published background detail is thin: no verified breeding record or introduction date was found in this research.
Distinguishing traits
Elongated fruit (longest of the common cultivars in trials), bright yellow to yellow-orange skin and flesh. Consistently described by growers as simply sweet, crisp, and juicy with few seeds. Self-fertile. Upright evergreen tree, 20-30 ft unpruned; works well in containers and in part shade.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None (tropical evergreen)
- Cold hardiness
- Mature trees tolerate brief dips to about 27°F with little damage; young plants can be killed at 32°F. USDA zones 10-11 per nursery sources; Queen Creek's brief freezes (mid-20s°F) are the main risk — protect young trees.
- Heat tolerance
- Tolerates extreme heat with consistent irrigation, but is severely damaged by prevailing hot, dry winds (CTAHR). Matt's placement in a shaded, sheltered spot is exactly right for desert summers.
- Water
- Consistent moisture, especially while young and during fruiting; somewhat drought tolerant once established. Mulch heavily; never waterlogged.
- Soil
- Well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter. Arizona alkaline soils need sulfur/acidifying amendment; watch for iron and magnesium deficiencies.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to part shade (6-8 hours); afternoon shade strongly advised in 115°F+ desert heat.
Where to buy
- Sow Exotic