THE SANCTUARY ESTATEgardens
Collection/Durian
Durian botanical plate
Plate · drawn for the register, 2026Durio zibethinus
Fruit · Medicinal

Durian

Durio zibethinus L.
Sumatra and Borneo
Fun factThe smell comes from more than 140 aromatic volatile compounds, with sulphur compounds responsible for its distinctive character. Cross-pollination is almost always required, and Thai growers hand-pollinate with feather dusters on long poles.

A tall rainforest tree with a straight trunk, rough peeling bark and glossy leaves with silvery or bronze undersides. Large yellow flowers open at night directly on the branches and are pollinated by bats and giant honeybees. The heavy, thorny fruit contains a creamy white to yellow aril famous for its pungent aroma and known in South-east Asia as the king of fruits.

Sourced · see Record tab
3on the estate
2carrying a tag
0sponsored
FamilyMalvaceae
Spanish nameDurián
Also known asDurián
Native toSumatra and Borneo; the genus is thought to have evolved on the ancient landmass of Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia
TagGarden areaZonePlantedStatusSponsoredNote
39Main OrchardB7 July 2015Dead—
221Jungle BoardwalkB17 June 2016Dead—
—Orchard Line—5 July 2019Planted—

1 of these has no tag yet; it will be numbered when the garden team re-tags the estate.

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