Durian Marangang, Merangang, Red Durian, Tutong, Lahong
Durio dulcis

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Found in Southeast Asia specifically in Malaysia and Indonesia, Durio dulcis or Durian Marangang is a tropical large tree growing up to 43 m in height and 80 cm in trunk diameter with dark red to brown red spiny fruits that are edible. The flesh is dark yellow, thin, and deep caramel-flavoured. The seeds can be boiled or roasted then eaten. The wood is durable and used in interior construction, furniture, and packing cases.

Durio dulcis is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 30

Where it is found

Lowland mixed dipterocarp forest, at elevations up to 800 metres.

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia.

Conservation Status: Status: Vulnerable A1c

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia*, Malaysia*, SE Asia,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit. The aril around the seeds is very sweet and fragrant. An attractive, dark purplish-red colour when fully ripe, with a bright yellow aril that has a soft, creamy texture and a delicious flavour reminiscent of pineapple cream without the acidity. Very strong smelling. An extremely offensive odour. This species of durian has the sweetest tasting and most ill-smelling fruits of the genus. The globose fruit is up to 15 cm in diameter. The fruit case is dark red to dark brown-red with slender 15-20 mm long spines, inside are a number of brown seeds each completely covered by a dark yellow tasty aril. Seed - cooked. They can be boiled or roasted.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

Other Uses: The heartwood is pink-brown. The wood is probably one of the most important sources of durian timber in Sarawak. The relatively durable wood is used in interior construction and for making cheaper types of furniture and packing cases. We do not have any more information on the wood of this species. However, a general description of the wood for species in this genus is as follows: The heartwood is pink-brown, red, or deep red-brown; it is not always sharply demarcated from the white, pale yellow-brown or light reddish-yellow sapwood. The texture is coarse; the grain straight to interlocked; somewhat lustrous; it is reported to have a foetid odour. The wood is not durable, and not resistant to termite attack; the sapwood is prone to powder-post beetle attack. It dries rapidly, but thin boards may tend to cup. The wood saws easily and generally dresses smoothly; nailing qualities are good. It is used for purposes such as furniture components, veneer and plywood, light construction.

Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.

Furniture: A few miscellaneous uses that do not fit easily into other headings.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

A tree of the moist lowland tropics, it is found at elevations up to 800 metres. Plants are found in the wild on sandy clay soils and friable clay loam. The flowers are produced in short inflorescences that are clustered on older branches.

Propagating it: Seed -

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 11-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Seed is poisonous if ingested

Its other names

Local names

Tutong, Lahong, Lajung, Durian merah, Durian bala, Pesasang, Dianjau, Durian tinggang, Duyen, Lahung, Lalit manuk, Pesasang, Layung

Synonyms

Durio conicus Becc.