Durio zibethinus
Durian (Durio zibethinus; also durian; king of fruits) is a Malvaceae fruit plant grown for its capsule. This page treats the accepted species name as canonical and uses the common name as a navigational alias.
| Durian (Durio zibethinus ) | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Durio zibethinus |
| Genus | Durio |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Fruit type | Capsule |
| Growth form | Large evergreen tree |
| Climate and hardiness | Humid tropical tree |
| Mature height | 20–40 m in forest; smaller under cultivation |
| Mature width | 10–25 m |
| Soil | Deep, fertile, well-drained soil with high organic matter; shallow water tables are damaging |
| Water | High and steady water demand; drought during flowering or fruit fill reduces yield |
| Sun | Full sun with shelter from strong winds |
| Germination | 3–8 days from fresh seed; recalcitrant |
| Years to fruit | 4–8 years grafted; much longer from seed |
| Pollination | Flowers are commonly pollinated by bats and insects; cross-pollination between compatible trees is important |
| Harvest | Often seasonal, commonly after a pronounced wet/dry rhythm; cultivar and region dependent |
Identification and description
Durian is a large Southeast Asian tree whose spiny capsules contain creamy arils with a powerful aroma. Cultivated clones differ in flavor, texture, season, tree architecture, and tolerance of local conditions.
The accepted genus, family, and order are Durio, Malvaceae, and Malvales. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.
Growing
Durian is a lowland and foothill rainforest crop that dislikes cold, drought, salt, and root disturbance. Young trees need shelter and excellent drainage, while mature trees require enough soil volume to support a large canopy. Do not confuse high rainfall with tolerance of standing water; aeration remains essential.
Soil
Deep, fertile, well-drained soil with high organic matter; shallow water tables are damaging.
Sun and humidity
Full sun with shelter from strong winds. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.
Seasonal changes
In many native regions a drier interval helps initiate flowering, followed by rain that supports fruit development. Excess rain during bloom can interfere with pollination, while drought during fruit fill causes drop and poor aril development. Crops may be strongly seasonal outside equatorial zones.
Propagation
Named cultivars are grafted or budded onto suitable seedling rootstocks. Fresh seed germinates quickly but must be sown immediately and produces variable offspring. Grafted trees are the practical route to known fruit quality and earlier production.
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest
Often seasonal, commonly after a pronounced wet/dry rhythm; cultivar and region dependent. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.
Fruit and uses
The ripe arils are eaten fresh, frozen, or processed into ice cream, sweets, pastries, sauces, and fermented products. Seeds are cooked in some cuisines. The strong aroma is a defining feature, not a defect, but acceptance varies widely.
Photos
No verified Commons image is included yet; add one only after checking the individual file page and license.
Commentary
Growers are invited to share observations about Durian on the talk page, especially climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering season, and fruit quality.