Carambola - endowed with utility

CARAMBOLA (Averrhoa carambala.. known as Coromandel goosebery is an evergreen ornamental tree of timber value, reaching a height of about 7.5-10 m with close drooping branches, found throughout tropical India much valued for its fruits.

Though no specific varieties are known, sweet and sour types of carambola are recognised in India. The sour types more popular in south India are used for pickling and as tamarind substitute in cooking. The fruits of the sweet types are generally smaller and deep green when ripe in contrast to those of the sour types, which have rich translucent, golden yellow fruits. The main stalk of the panicle of the sour type is greenish whereas its branches are light pinkish.

The sweet type has a dark purple stalk and purplish branches. The fruit pulp may be acidic or sweet according to the type. Fruits are rich in iron, vitamin C, oxalic acid and potassium iron oxalate.

All parts of carambola have medicinal use. Root polutice, or root infusion is used as an antidote for poisoning.

Paste of leaves or shoots are applied externally in cases of chicken pox, ringworm, scabies and headache. Leaves are antipruritic, antipyretic and antihelmintic.

B. Sasikumar

ICAR

Marikunnu,

Calicut 673 012,

Kerala

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