Durian (Durio zibethinus)
Durian is the edible fruit of the nine Durio species (D. zibethinus, D. dulcis, D. grandiflorus, D. graveolens, D. kutejensis, D. lowianus, D. macrantha, D. oxleyanus and D. testudinarum) and hundreds of their cultivars in family Malvaceae, native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. Durio zibethinus is commercially cultivated on a large scale, and the only species available in the international market. Other species are only available in the local regions. There are 30 recognized Durio species, but only nine is known to produce edible fruits. Durian is widely known and crowned as the 'King of Fruits' in Southeast Asia. The name durian is derived from the Malay word 'duri' meaning thorn, together with the suffix -an (for forming a noun in Malay). Durian is unique in its large size, color, smell and thorn-covered husk. Durian tree is tall and large, growing 20-50 m tall, depending on species. The evergreen leaves are elliptic to oblong, 10-18 cm long. The flowers are produced in clusters of 3-30 on branches and trunk. They are large and feathery with copious nectar, and a heavy, sour and buttery odor. The flowers are pollinated by cave fruit bats, spiderhunters, giant honey bees, birds or bats, depending on species and regions. The color of the flowers determine the color of the durian flesh. White flowers will give white-fleshed durian, yellow flower will produce yellow-fleshed durian, and red flowers will get red-orange-fleshed durian. Durian trees have one or two flowering and fruiting period per year, with the timing varied according to localities, species and cultivars. The durian fruit matures three months after pollination. Depending on species and cultivars, the shape ranges from oblong to round, the husk green or brown in color, and long or short thorns. The fruit is ranged at 30 cm long, 20 cm in diameter, and weighs 1-3 kilograms. Hundreds of cultivars of durians have been produced over the years through methods of layering, marcotting and grafting, producing superior quality of durians. Different cultivars can be distinguished to some extent by variations of fruit shape and the spines. Most cultivars have a common name and a code number starting with a D (for durian). Durian emits a distinctive, strong and penetrating odor. The long-lasting odor of the durian led to the fruit's banishment from hotels, airports, subways and public transportation in Southeast Asia. Those who loves durian will regard the smell as fragrant; while others find the aroma overpowering, nauseating and offensive. The durian is a seasonal fruit, available in Penisular Malaysia and Singapore from June to August, which comincides with that of the mangosteen, the Queen of Fruits. The degree of ripeness has an effect on the flavor of durian. Scientific analysis done on the durian aroma has found a mixture of esters, ketones, and different sulphur compounds, but could not distinguish which one is the primary contributor of the strong odor. More info on durian can be found at the following links. http://www.thefloweringgarden.com/durian.htm http://www.penang-traveltips.com/durians.htm http://www.asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/penang_durian.htm  Durian (Durio zibethinus) Author: Rintojiang (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported) | ||
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