AgroForestryTree Database
Durio dulcis
 Species identityEcology and distributionPropagation and managementFunctional usesPests and diseasesAdditional InfoBibliographyImages |
Species identity
TaxonomySynonym(s)
Common names
(Indonesian) : durian merah (Malay), layung, pesasang (Tidung)
(Malay) : durian merah (Malay), layung, pesasang (Tidung)
Botanic description
A fairly large tree up to 40 m tall, with bole up to 80 cm in diameter having large buttresses up to 4 m high, bark surface rough, superficially fissured or irregularly flaky, reddish-brown. Leaves elliptical or obovate-elliptical, 7-14 cm x 3.5-6 cm, densely scaly below. Flowers in short inflorescence clustered on older branches, petals up to 45 mm long, pink, stamens in bundles, opening by a slit. Fruit globose, up to 15 cm in diameter, outside dark red to dark brown-red with slender 15-20 mm long spines, very strong smelling. Seeds brown, each completely covered by a dark yellow aril.
Ecology and distribution
History of cultivationThroughout Borneo; occasionally also cultivated for the fruits.
Natural Habitat
D. dulcis occurs in lowland forest; it is found scattered in mixed dipterocarp forest on sandy clay soils and friable clay loams.
Throughout Borneo (Sabah, Kalimantan); occasionally also cultivated for the fruits.
Biophysical limitsAltitude: Up to 800 m. Soil types: D. dulcis occurs on sandy clay soils and friable clay loams.
Propagation and management
Functional uses
ProductsFood: D. dulcis is probably one of the principal sources of durian timber in Sarawak. The aril around the seeds is very sweet, fragrant and edible. Timber: The wood is reputed to be used.Additional Information
PropertiesTimber: The heartwood is pink to dark red-brown.
Genetic
Genetic resources: Genetic erosion is reported in wild D. dulcis in Indonesia.
Bibliography
Jansen, P.C.M., Jukema, J., Oyen, L.P.A. & van Lingen, T.G., 1992. Durio dulcis Becc. In Coronel, R.E. & Verheij, E.W.M. (Eds.): Plant Resources of South-East Asia No 2. Edible fruits and nuts. Prosea Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. pp 330.Yap, S.K., et al. 1995. Durio Adans. In Lemmens, R.H.M.J., Soerianegara, I. & Wong, W.C. (Eds.): Plant Resources of South-East Asia No 5(2). Timber trees: Minor commercial timbers. Prosea Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. pp 215-225.