Nephelium lappaceum

Nephelium lappaceum, commonly known as the Rambutan, is a medium-sized tropical tree in the family Sapindaceae. The fruit produced by the tree is also known as "rambutan." Native to Southeast Asia, it is now cultivated in various parts of the world.

Description

The Nephelium lappaceum tree grows up to 10 to 25 m (33 to 82 ft) tall. The leaves are alternate, 10–30 cm long, pinnate, with 3-11 leaflets, each leaflet 5–15 cm wide and 3–10 cm broad, with an entire margin. The flowers are small, 2.5–5 mm, disc-shaped, and borne in erect terminal panicles 15–30 cm wide.

Fruit

Rambutan fruit is round to oval and typically measures 3–6 cm in diameter. The leathery skin is reddish (rarely orange or yellow), and covered with fleshy pliable spines. The fruit's flesh is translucent, whitish or very pale pink, with a sweet, mildly acidic flavor. The single seed is glossy brown, 2–3 cm in diameter, with a white basal scar. The seed is mildly poisonous when raw, but can be eaten when cooked.

Cultivation

Nephelium lappaceum is adapted to warm tropical climates, around 22–30 °C, and is sensitive to temperatures below 10 °C. It is cultivated in a number of countries throughout the world, but primarily in Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Australia.

Uses

The fruit is most commonly eaten fresh, but is also used in making jams and jellies, and in flavoring juices. The seeds are edible when cooked, and are said to taste like almonds. The leaves and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• Tropical agriculture