Family: Malvaceae
Scientific name: Durio zibethinus
Common name: Durian
Origin: Malaysia

The Durian is a well-known fruit from South-East Asia. The fruit tastes delicious, but has an unpleasant smell. The large fruits can be as heavy as 8 kg, and are covered in large spikes. The light yellow pulp resembles pudding, and tastes like a mixture of banana, pineapple, caramel and vanilla. The unpleasant smell is caused by the production of hydrogen sulphides, and can be so intense that in some countries it is forbidden to travel with the fruit in public transport. In tropical countries, the Durian can become a large tree, but can also be kept as an indoor plant or grown in a heated greenhouse. The plant is a typical species from the humid tropics: it prefers a day temperature above 22 degC, a high air humidity and ample amounts of water. Although difficult, it is possible to let the tree flower in a pot (see picture). The flowers are white and flower only for one night. In nature they are pollinated by bats and mots.  

Sowing instructions: The large seed has a short viability and should be sown as soon as possible in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly moist and let the seed germinate at a high temperature: 22-30 degC.  

Sowing time: All year
Difficulty: Challenge
Minimum temperature: 12 degrees Celsius