Durian

Durio zibethinus

Physical Characteristics

Durio zibethinus is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Moths. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Malaysia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[ 303 ]. The ripening fruit produces a strongly unpleasant aroma, similar to a sewage works on a hot day, but the flesh has a delicious flavour that has been likened to pineapple with cream cheese, or a mixture of banana, caramel and vanilla with a hint of onion[ 200 , 301 , K ]. It is sometimes cooked as a vegetable[ 303 ]. The fruit can be 25cm or more in diameter and weigh several kilos[ 200 ]. Ripe fruits deteriorate rapidly, the best quality fruit being allowed to ripen on the tree[ 200 ]. Seed - cooked. Boiled or roasted and eaten as nuts[ 301 , 335 ]. Flower petals, young leaves and shoots are edible[ 301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Aphrodisiac The fruit is used as an aphrodisiac[ 348 ].

Known Hazards

Seed is poisonous if ingested