Durio crassipes explained

Durio crassipes, also known as durian hutan, is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family that is endemic to Borneo.[1]

Description

The tree grows to 60 m in height with a 20 m buttressed bole. The oval leaves are 7–11 cm long by 2.5–3 cm wide, with smooth uppersides, and with undersides covered with brown scales and hairs. The inflorescences comprise clusters of 10 or more pink to red flowers along the branches. The fruits are 7–10 cm long by 5.5–7 cm wide, covered with 5 cm-long red spines, and containing 3 cm-long black seeds encased in an edible, creamy yellow aril.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The species is known only from Sabah and Sarawak, where it is found in mixed hill forest at an elevation of 500–700 m.[1]

Usage

Since the fruits open on the branches, with the contents eaten by squirrels and hornbills, humans must climb wild trees to get the fruits.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Lamb, Anthony . 2019 . A guide to wild fruits of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu . Natural History Publications (Borneo) . 118 . 978-983-812-191-0.