Durio zibethinus aka Durian

Durio zibethinus, or durian, is a large evergreen fruit tree. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its native range includes Malaysia, where it grows in humid lowland forests. Sources also list Sumatra and Kalimantan as possible native areas. People grow it across Southeast Asia and gather wild fruit. The tree supplies food, wood, fuel, and some traditional remedies.

Its crown forms a cone above a thick, buttressed trunk. The oval leaves grow in an alternate pattern along branches. Useful Tropical Plants gives a cultivated height near 39 feet [12 metres]. PFAF lists 98 feet [30 metres], with a spread of 82 feet [25 metres]. Larger trees can reach 131 feet [40 metres]. Trunks can measure about 4 feet [1.2 metres] across. These figures show the space a mature tree may need.

Moths pollinate the flowers, and the tree attracts wildlife. The large fruit has edible flesh with a strong smell. Each fruit can exceed 0.8 feet [0.25 metres] across and weigh several kilos. People eat the ripe flesh fresh or cook it. They also cook some fruit as a vegetable. Fruit ripened on the tree gives the best quality. Once ripe, it spoils fast. Flower petals, young leaves, and shoots are also edible. People boil or roast the seeds before eating them. PFAF warns that ingested seeds can be poisonous. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards, so the safety accounts differ.

Durian needs a tropical climate and cannot withstand frost. PFAF places it in USDA zones 10–12. It needs sun, moist soil, and good drainage. It accepts sand, loam, or clay across a broad pH range. Warm conditions and rain spread through the year suit it best. It can endure two or three dry months. Growth stops when cool-season mean temperatures fall below 22°C. A more seasonal climate may improve flowering and fruiting.

Its main garden role is as a large food tree. The coarse, dark-red wood serves for indoor building work. People also make low-cost furniture and packing cases from it. Wood and dried fruit skins provide fuel. Fresh seed needs prompt sowing, since it loses viability within two weeks. Seed-grown trees may start bearing after about seven years. Growers also use grafting to raise new trees.