Durio ceylanicus
Gardner
Ceylon durian
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Description
A tropical tree in the Malvaceae family (subfamily Bombacoideae) that produces large, prickly fruits. The fruit is less commonly eaten than that of related durian species.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible, though less palatable than other durian varieties.
Known Hazards
The large, globose fruit has numerous sharp prickles and, when it falls to the ground, can be rather troublesome for people walking barefoot through the forest.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Sri Lanka,
Cultivation
A plant of the lowland, moist tropics. This species closely resembles the durian (Durio zibethinus) in both foliage and structure of the fruit. The fruit of this species, however, is lacking the distinctive smell of the durian and is inedible.
Other Uses
The tree has sometimes been used as a rootstock for the durian (Durio zibethinus). Approach grafts are said to induce earlier flowering and produce greater growth than when planted on Durio zibethinus rootstocks. The pale, yellowish-brown wood is light in weight; soft to moderately hard; easily split. It is used for cases and cigar boxes. 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.
Notes
In the subfamily Bombacoideae.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Peduruhewa, P. S., et al, 2021, Potential of Underutilized Wild Edible Plants as the Food for the Future – A Review. Journal of Food Security, Vol. 9, No. 4, 136-147
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
