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Summary

Found in Southeast Asia specifically in Malaysia and Indonesia, Durio dulcis or Durian Marangang is a tropical large tree growing up to 43 m in height and 80 cm in trunk diameter with dark red to brown red spiny fruits that are edible. The flesh is dark yellow, thin, and deep caramel-flavoured. The seeds can be boiled or roasted then eaten. The wood is durable and used in interior construction, furniture, and packing cases.

Physical Characteristics

Durio dulcis is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Durio conicus Becc.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed
Edible Uses:

Fruit. The aril around the seeds is very sweet and fragrant[ 303 ]. An attractive, dark purplish-red colour when fully ripe, with a bright yellow aril that has a soft, creamy texture and a delicious flavour reminiscent of pineapple cream without the acidity[ 301 ]. Very strong smelling[ 303 ]. An extremely offensive odour[ 301 ]. This species of durian has the sweetest tasting and most ill-smelling fruits of the genus[ 301 ]. The globose fruit is up to 15 cm in diameter[ 303 ]. The fruit case is dark red to dark brown-red with slender 15-20 mm long spines, inside are a number of brown seeds each completely covered by a dark yellow tasty aril[ 303 ]. Seed - cooked[ 301 ]. They can be boiled or roasted[ 301 ].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Containers Furniture Wood

Other Uses: The heartwood is pink-brown[ 303 ]. The wood is probably one of the most important sources of durian timber in Sarawak[ 338 ]. The relatively durable wood is used in interior construction and for making cheaper types of furniture and packing cases[ 303 ]. We do not have any more information on the wood of this species. However, a general description of the wood for species in this genus is as follows:- The heartwood is pink-brown, red, or deep red-brown; it is not always sharply demarcated from the white, pale yellow-brown or light reddish-yellow sapwood. The texture is coarse; the grain straight to interlocked; somewhat lustrous; it is reported to have a foetid odour. The wood is not durable, and not resistant to termite attack; the sapwood is prone to powder-post beetle attack. It dries rapidly, but thin boards may tend to cup. The wood saws easily and generally dresses smoothly; nailing qualities are good. It is used for purposes such as furniture components, veneer and plywood, light construction[ 316 ].

Special Uses

Food Forest

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A tree of the moist lowland tropics, it is found at elevations up to 800 metres[ 303 ]. Plants are found in the wild on sandy clay soils and friable clay loam[ 303 ]. The flowers are produced in short inflorescences that are clustered on older branches[ 303 ].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed -

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Tutong, Lahong, Lajung, Durian merah, Durian bala, Pesasang, Dianjau, Durian tinggang, Duyen, Lahung, Lalit manuk, Pesasang, Layung

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Asia, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia*, Malaysia*, SE Asia,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Status: Vulnerable A1c

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Durio zibethinus	Durian	Tree	30.0	10-12	M	LMH	N	M	5	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Expert comment

Author

Becc.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

Durio dulcis - Becc.