Durio graveolens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Durio graveolens |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Durio graveolens 'Suluy Z' at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Durio
|
| Species: |
graveolens
|
Fruit and leaves of D. graveolens
|
|
| Nutritional value per 100 g | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 152 kcal (640 kJ) |
| Dietary fiber | 21.5 g |
|
6.2 g
|
|
| Saturated | 1.9 g |
| Trans | 0.9 g |
| Monounsaturated | 2.5 g |
| Polyunsaturated
omega‑6
|
1.8 g
1.8 g
|
|
Protein
|
2.6 g
|
| Vitamins | Quantity
%DV†
|
| Vitamin C |
13%
10.4 mg |
| Minerals | Quantity
%DV†
|
| Calcium |
1%
10 mg |
| Copper |
35%
0.7 mg |
| Iron |
5%
0.6 mg |
| Magnesium |
8%
27 mg |
| Manganese |
19%
0.4 mg |
| Phosphorus |
6%
43 mg |
| Potassium |
18%
529 mg |
| Zinc |
6%
0.59 mg |
| Other constituents | Quantity |
| Water | 66.7% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults. Source: (Hoe & Siong 1999) (Nasaruddin, Noor, & Mamat 2013) |
|
The red-fleshed durian (scientific name: Durio graveolens) is a type of tree in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It's one of several kinds of durian fruit trees. An Italian scientist named Odoardo Beccari first described it in 1889.
The name graveolens means 'strong smelling'. Even though many durians have a strong smell, the red-fleshed D. graveolens often has a mild scent. This tree grows naturally in Southeast Asia. It is an edible durian and is quite popular in the wild. People sell it in local markets. However, the common durian, Durio zibethinus, is much more widely sold around the world.
Contents
What is Durio graveolens?
This durian species should not be confused with popular durian types from Malaysia called 'Red Flesh' or 'Red Prawn'. Those are actually different kinds of D. zibethinus.
However, D. graveolens does have one officially registered type called 'DQ2 nyekak (DK8)'. People also talk about different types based on the color of their fruit's flesh: orange, red, or yellow. These might be different species, but scientists are still figuring that out. The yellow-fleshed kind is sometimes called durian simpor.
The scientific name graveolens means 'strong smelling'. But some people describe this durian as having a "mild" or "slight" smell. Some even say it's "odorless."
Where Does It Grow?
Wild D. graveolens trees grow in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Palawan, and Southern Thailand. People also grow it in places like Brunei, Sarawak, Sabah, and even the Northern Territory of Australia. In Brunei, this durian is even more popular than the common D. zibethinus.
Sometimes, it is grown outside tropical areas. In Florida, for example, it has survived cold temperatures near freezing point.
What Does the Tree Look Like?
D. graveolens is a very large tree. It can grow up to 50 meters (about 164 feet) tall, reaching the top of the forest. Its trunk can be 85 to 100 cm (about 33 to 39 inches) wide. The trunk might not have branches until it's about 25 meters (82 feet) high.
The trunk can be smooth or flaky. It ranges in color from gray to reddish-brown. The tree has large, steep buttress roots that help support it. These roots can reach 3 meters (10 feet) high and spread out 1.5 meters (5 feet).
The leaves are long, about 10 to 26 cm (4 to 10 inches) without their stalks. They are 4 to 10 cm (1.5 to 4 inches) wide. The leaves are rounded at both ends and feel a bit like leather. The top side is smooth and shiny, almost like it's varnished. The underside of the leaves is copper-brown and has small scales. It also has soft, fuzzy hairs.
The flowers grow on the branches in small clusters. They have white, spoon-shaped petals that are 25 to 35 mm (1 to 1.4 inches) long.
The fruits are about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) wide and weigh around 750 grams (1.6 pounds). The outside of the fruit is greenish to orange-yellow. It is covered with many long, thin spines that are prickly but a little soft.
The fruit usually breaks open into five sections while still on the tree. Each section has two large, glossy brown seeds. These seeds are completely covered by a fleshy part called the aril. The aril is the part people eat. It can be light yellow, orange, or even lipstick red.
How Does It Grow in Nature?
D. graveolens is a tropical plant that needs a lot of heat and humidity. It often grows in wet lowland forests, especially near rivers and in swamps. Because it can handle wet places, it might be resistant to certain plant diseases. It can also be found on hillsides up to 1000 meters (3,280 feet) high.
This durian tree is pollinated by bats. It is one of the few durian species that can naturally mix with D. zibethinus. This suggests they share the same bat pollinators, like the cave nectar bat.
After the fruit is picked, it can sometimes get moldy from different types of fungi.
Many animals eat the fruit, including Bornean orangutans, Prevost's squirrels, crab-eating macaques, black hornbills, and sun bears. Black hornbills are also very good at spreading the seeds of the tree. This is why some local names for the tree mean "hornbill durian."
What is It Used For?
The fleshy part of the fruit (the aril) is usually eaten fresh. It tastes sweet and cheesy, or sometimes like an avocado. Some people say it smells like roasted almonds or burnt caramel.
Sometimes, the fruit pulp is fermented to make a condiment called tempoyak. The red-fleshed type is also used in a traditional Indonesian vegetable stew called sayur, often with freshwater fish.
The seeds of the fruit can be ground into flour. This flour can then be used to make things like fish crackers.
The tree is also used for its wood in Sarawak. The Iban people there also use the bark to make a special tea. They believe bathing day-old babies in this tea makes their skin stronger.
Images for kids
-
Durio graveolens 'Suluy Z' at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami
-
Fruit and leaves of D. graveolens
