Star apple (Donella lanceolata) is a tropical fruit tree native to Central and South America, producing sweet, purplish or greenish fruit with star-shaped seeds.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm Tropical
100% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C, sensitive to frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season with balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Proper drainage is crucial for star apple health.
Prune lightly to shape the tree and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This can be done after fruiting or in late winter before new growth begins. Pinching back young shoots can encourage bushier growth.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce fruit production.
Star apples can be propagated from seeds, which require stratification and a warm environment to germinate. Air-layering or grafting are also effective methods for producing new plants with desirable traits.
Cuttings can be taken from mature wood and treated with rooting hormone.
Young star apple plants may need repotting every 1-2 years into slightly larger containers as they grow. Mature trees are best left undisturbed or can be root-pruned if necessary.
Ensure new pots have adequate drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Star Apple (Donella lanceolata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Donella |
| Species | Donella lanceolata |
Similar in genus Donella
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
