Rambutan, Hairy Lychee

Nephelium lappaceum

Physical Characteristics

Nephelium lappaceum is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Fruit - raw or cooked[46 ]. The sweet, juicy, light-coloured flesh is delicious eaten raw[296 , 301 ]. It can also be stewed, canned in syrup, used in jams, jellies etc[301 ]. The bright red, ovoid fruit is 5 - 6cm long and is produced in clusters of 10 - 12 fruits[335 ]. Seed - occasionally roasted and eaten[46 , 301 , 303 ]. A bitter flavour, it is said to have narcotic properties[303 ]. An oil or tallow similar to cacao butter, with a high level of arachidic acid, can be rendered from the seeds[301 , 303 ]

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antidiarrhoeal Astringent Febrifuge Poultice Stomachic The green fruit is said to be astringent, stomachic, and anthelmintic[303 , 404 ]. It is used in the treatment of various diseases, especially fevers and diarrhoea[404 ]. The leaves are used in poultices for headaches. The shell of the fruit contains tannins and is used as an astringent[307 ]. In Java, the toxic saponin found in the fruit wall is dried and used as medicine[303 ]. In Malaysia, the roots are used in a decoction for treating fever[303 ]. The bark is used as an astringent for tongue diseases[303 ].

Known Hazards

The fruit wall contains a toxic saponin; cases of poisoning are known[303 ].