Durian

The durian is a type of tropical fruit.

The durian tree grows up to 40 metres in height and durians can hang from any branches, and a typical durian can weigh 1-2 kg, so a durian plantation during durian season is hardhat territory. A durian breaking a 20 metre fall directly on your head can be very bad for your health!

The durian is native to Malaysia and Indonesia although it can grow in any similar climate (there have been some successful durian plantations in Queensland, Australia). The fruit itself is green to brown, oblong to round, prickly with strong sharp thorns and emits a strong, distinctive smell that puts most foreigners off. However, they are generally regarded to be a very tasty fruit. Because of their odour, it is forbidden to bring durians as hand luggage on to aircraft belonging to some airlines. They are also forbidden on the Singapore underground system.

It is often called the "king of fruits" by locals; Westerners have described the fruit as "like eating custard in a public lavatory"

The scientific name for the durian is Durio zibethinus Murr.

There are many clones of the durian, all having a name starting with D and a number. For example, some popular clones are D24, D99, D158 and D159 (this is the 'Mon Thong' variety).