Hortiforum

General Info – Star Gooseberry, Tahitian Gooseberry, Otaheite Gooseberry

Star Gooseberries are an intriguing tree with bountiful harvests of deeply acidic yet flavourful fruits, coupled with an ornamental appearance that appeals to gardeners with a keen eye for beauty.
The exceptionally acidic, waxy, crisp, and juicy yellow fruits are borne in abundant clusters along the branches, creating a striking display of the ribbed, star-shaped fruits once they ripen. Their flavour is often likened to a combination of Cranberry, Apricot, and Lemon, though their near inedible acidity means they are seldom consumed fresh. Across Asia, where these fruits are widely cultivated, various methods such as candying, pickling, juicing, and transforming them into chutneys and preserves are used to render them deliciously edible. When cooked with sugar, the yellow fruits take on an attractive pink-reddish hue and become a delectable, sweet treat. The strong acidity of these Vitamin C rich fruits lends them well to acting as a substitute for Tamarind. The edible, Peppery leaves are also enjoyed cooked and are reminiscent of Sorrel.
Star Gooseberries share many physical traits with the unrelated Bilimbi, including prolific blooms of pretty, light pink flowers, peculiar star-shaped yellow fruits, perfectly alternate drooping green leaves, and a particularly appealing red blush on new growth. These plants can be maintained as either shrubs or trees, ranging from 2 to 9 metres in height, and serve as excellent centrepieces when grown as large trees or as charming additions to dooryard landscapes when kept as shrubs or small trees.
Though believed to originate from Madagascar, Star Gooseberries have since been widely distributed across the tropics and subtropics of Asia and parts of the Americas. They tolerate a range of soil conditions, provided the soil is well-drained and moist, with fertile loam soils being preferred. Star Gooseberry experience dry seasons throughout their native range and will tolerate them well, with established plants being quite drought tolerant. Ample rainfall, exceeding 1500mm a year is ideal although this can be concentrated in the flowering and fruiting period. Plants are viable in the subtropics but should be protected from any frosts.
While cultivating Star Gooseberries in tropical and subtropical regions may demand prime spots in terms of shade and soil quality, the beauty and bounty they offer make them a delightful opportunity for gardeners in these regions.

Plant Profile/Properties