Durio Graveolens
(Red Durian)
Other Names: 'Durian' Merah, D. Sabah, D. Tabelak, D. Burung, D.
Kuning
Related To: [Malvaceae] Durian, Chupa-Chupa, Malabar Chesnut
Main Uses: Fruit
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast.
Mature Height/Spread: To 150' in ideal climates, smaller outside
of native ranges.
Flowering/Pollination:
Tolerance: Moderately drought tolerant, intolerant of salt.
Soil/Nutrition: Needs a fertile, well drained, slightly acidic
soil. The tree grows naturally on clay and sandy loam soils.
Light: Full sun.
Wind: Moderately wind tolerant.
Temperature: You trees are killed by frost. Older trees can
withstand occasional light frosts. This is the hardiest of the
large-fruiting durian species.
Dangers: Spines
Diseases Prone: None.
Bearing Age: 6-20 years from seed, but most commonly 6-7 years.
Much sooner from grafted trees.
Fruit: Spiny, more symmetrical than durio zibenthesis. Fruits of
this species split open while still on the tree, and do not fall
naturally. In cultivation they are harvested while cracking, just
prior to opening. Flesh can be any grade of yellow, orange or red,
and is not as pungent as it's famous brother, durio zibethinus. It
has the fragrance of roasted almonds, burnt caramel, and slight
carrot-like tones. The flesh is drier and milder in sweetness,
making it more versatile for culinary uses.
**The yellow-fleshed variety of durio graveolens is called
"durian simpor."
A natural hybrid of d. graveloens and d. zibethinus is called
"durian suluk" or "durian siunggong."
History/Origin: Native to the island of Borneo and parts of
peninsular Malaysia. An endemic species in the Kalimantan
rainforest, and most commonly found in the Eastern provinces of
Borneo. The species is actively cultivated in Sabah. This rare
durian is a local delicacy rarely seen outside it's native range
except for a few specimens in arboretums and private collections.
The fruit is popular in Sabah, but not as highly esteemed as d.
zibethinus, and does not fetch as good a price.
Species Observations:
Propogation: By seed or by grafting. Air layers are possible, but
usually unsuccessful. The rootstock of durio graveolens is often
used for grafting durio zibethinus, as it is more adaptable to
various soils, more drought and disease resistant.
Container Culture: Not recommended.
Medicinal Uses: Unknown.
Nutritional Information: Durians contain copious amounts of
potassium. Also high in fiber. This is a high calorie food.
Preparation / Food: Eaten fresh, and often cooked in rice and
vegetable dishes. |
