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Durian (Durio zibethinus)
Photo: Samuel Lee, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

On the map in 3 countries crop

Durian

Durio zibethinus

Family: Malvaceae

On our map this plant appears in 3 countries and ranks highest in: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia.

The durian is a tall evergreen tree of the mallow family, with leaves that are glossy above and coppery-silver beneath. Its creamy-white flowers hang in clusters straight from the branches, open after dark and are pollinated mainly by bats. The spiky fruits, usually weighing 1–3 kg, fall from the tree only when ripe – so in season it is best not to stand beneath the crown. Inside the fruit’s chambers lie large seeds wrapped in creamy flesh with a complex, sweet flavour and a very powerful smell, because of which the fruit is banned from many hotels and vehicles.

Description from: Malaysia.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl) Plants of the World Online (Kew)

Significance in each country

  1. Thailand no. 3 of 10 introduced or naturalised

    Thailand is the world’s largest durian exporter, mainly to China, and famous Thai varieties include Mon Thong and Chanee. The durian season is the time of fruit festivals in Chanthaburi and Rayong.

  2. Malaysia no. 6 of 10 native

    In season, roadside stalls offer dozens of varieties identified by codes such as D24 or D197 – the latter is Musang King, named after the town of Gua Musang in Kelantan.

  3. Indonesia no. 9 of 15 native

    Indonesia is one of the largest durian producers, and in many towns on Sumatra, Borneo and Java the durian season is a real festival of street stalls.