Durio zibethinus Murray, Syst. Nat. Veg. ed. 3 (1774)
After the Italian 'zibetto', a pheromone that is excreted by civets (small mammal).Synonyms
Durio acuminatissimus Merr.
Durio stercoraceus Noronha [Invalid]
Description
Mid-canopy tree up to 39 m tall and 97 cm dbh. Stipules present, but falling
early. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, golden below, with clearly
visible scales. Flowers ca. 55 mm in diameter, white-yellow, with 2-3-lobed
epicalyx, placed in fascicled cymes on older branches. Fruits ca. 220 mm long,
yellow, capsule with spines, seeds completely enclosed by (pale) yellow, sweet,
edible aril.
Ecology
In mixed dipterocarp forests up to 1400 m altitude. Growing along rivers,
hillsides and ridges on sandy to clayey soils. In secondary forests usually
present as pre-disturbance remnant tree, or planted (cultivated).
Uses
Cultivated for its edible fruits. The wood is used for furniture. The roots
have medicinal properties.
Distribution
Birma, Indo-China, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo (Sarawak,
Sabah, Central- and East-Kalimantan), Philippines, Celebes and the Moluccas.
Originally probably from Sumatra and Borneo.
Local names
Borneo: Catu, Dian, Duhuian, Durian, Durian puteh, Jatu, Kalang, Lampun, Lujian.
