Durian Civet : tree with a heavy aroma

Durian is a fruit with a strong smell. Some dislike the odor, but others love the taste. Grafted durian trees are now available. These are hardier and can grow in more climates.

Durian trees are known for their fruit. Grafted types often produce fruit in 4 to 6 years after planting. Seedlings can take 7 to 10 years to grow.

Durian fruits differ in size and shape based on type and pollination. They are usually oblong. They typically weigh a bit more than a football. The fruits weigh about 1.5 to 4 kg, but can reach 8 kg. Only 15% to 25% is pulp, and about 20% is seeds. This makes durian one of the costliest fruits. This is based on the ratio of whole fruit to edible part.

Durian takes 85 to 150 days to grow after the flower is pollinated. This depends on the variety and weather. If not picked, the fruits will fall naturally in about 10 weeks.

Durian trees have simple, long, and oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are quite stiff. The tree blooms with large, strong-smelling flowers. After pollination, these flowers turn into big, prickly fruits with thick skin.

In Sri Lanka, durian trees can grow up to 60 m tall. In the Philippines, they reach 70 m. In Malaysia, they can grow to 80 m. In some countries, these trees can reach 45 m in height.