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The star fruit tree, also known as Averrhoa carambola or carambola, is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a short trunk, a broad, rounded crown, and can grow to be 6–12 meters (16–39 ft) tall. The tree is slow-growing and has soft, compound leaves that are arranged alternately around the branches. The leaves can be 6–12 inches long and the tree has a lush canopy, especially if it's not pruned. The star fruit tree produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are rose to red-purple in color and have five petals with whitish edges. The flowers can bloom year-round in tropical climates and are often produced on panicles on twigs or small branches. The tree's fruit is oval-shaped and has a star-like cross section, which is how it got its common name. The fruit is fleshy and has a waxy surface, and when unripe it is dark green in color, but turns yellow when fully ripe. Each fruit has 4–5 cells and usually contains 10–12 seeds, but sometimes none at all. The star fruit tree is cultivated in tropical and semitropical regions for its edible fruit, which can be eaten on its own, added to salads or other dishes, or used as a garnish. It can also be used to make pies, puddings, jams, jellies, or chutneys, or juiced and used as a beverage.