The fruit commonly known as star fruit because of its shape is called carambola. It is the fruit of the Averrhoa carambola tree, a species native to tropical Southeast Asia. The fruit has distinctive ridges running down its sides, usually 5-6 in number, and when cut in cross-section, it resembles a star, hence the name "star fruit". The entire fruit is edible, usually consumed raw, and can also be cooked or made into relishes, preserves, garnish, and juices. Star fruit is commonly consumed in Southeast Asia, South Asia, the South Pacific, Micronesia, parts of East Asia, the United States, parts of Latin America, and the Caribbean.