Durio grandiflorus explained

Durio grandiflorus, the ghost durian[1] or durian munjit, is a tree endemic to the island of Borneo.

Description

Durio grandiflorus is a medium-sized tree up to 30 m tall. The fruit is an ellipsoid capsule, up to 20cm x 15cm, with stiff spines up to 2cm long. Their coloration can range from greenish-brown to bluish-grey. The brown seeds can be up to 3cm long, and are covered by a yellow, edible aril.

Uses

Durio grandiflorus is one of the edible species in the genus Durio, which produces the popular fruit known as durian. The fruit of this species has yellow flesh. The seeds have a yellow aril that can be eaten.

The relatively durable wood is used in interior construction and for making cheaper types of furniture and packing cases.

Conservation

Durio grandiflorus populations are now declining on Borneo due to genetic erosion. The species has been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Phillipps, Quentin . Phillipps' Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo and Their Ecology: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan . 62 . 2016 . . 9780691169415 . 30 April 2024.