Durian

Appearance

The wood of "D. zibethinus" is reddish brown. As with other durian species, the edible flesh emits a distinctive odour that is strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Some people regard the durian as having a pleasantly sweet fragrance; others find the aroma overpowering and revolting. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust, and has been described variously as rotten onions, turpentine, and raw sewage. The persistence of its odour has led to the fruit's banishment from certain hotels and public transportation in Southeast Asia.

There are 30 recognised "Durio" species, at least nine of which produce edible fruit. "Durio zibethinus" is the only species available in the international market: other species are sold in their local regions. There are hundreds of cultivars of "Durio zibethinus"; many consumers express preferences for specific cultivars, which fetch higher prices in the market.

Habitat

"D. zibethinus" flowers are visited by bats, which eat the pollen and pollinate the flowers. The flowers open in the afternoon and shed pollen in the evening. By the following morning, the calyx, petals, and stamens have fallen off to leave only the gynoecium of the flower.