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Durio singaporensis Ridl.
Family Name: | Malvaceae |
Synonyms: | Durio oblongus auct. non Mast.<2> |
Common Name: | Singapore Durian, Durian Duan |
Durio singaporensis is named after (you guessed it), Singapore! Commonly known as the Singapore Durian, its scientific name takes reference from the distribution of the species; within Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. The Singapore Durian can grow up to 30 m tall producing thick leathery foliage with a golden-coppery underside. Unlike the Durian commonly eaten (Durio zibethinus), its fruit is densely covered in rambutan-like spines. The brown seeds also lack the yellow, pungent flavoured edible pulp that many enjoy.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Tree (Big (>30m)) |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Plant Shape | Irregular |
Maximum Height | 30 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest) |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Endangered (EN)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | It is a tall tree that grow up to 30 m tall, small, thin buttresses may be present. It has pinkish red to red brown bark with horizontal ridges. |
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Foliage | Leaves are thick, leathery, oblong measuring from 13-30 cm x 4.8-5 cm, held on an angular petiole 1.5-2.5 cm long. The leaves are dark green, glossy, closely packed scales are found on the underside, giving a golden-coppery appearance. Lance-shaped stipules are found on the tip of the branches, up to 2 cm long, covered in scales on the outside. |
Flowers | Flowers borne in a short inflorescence along the branches (cauliflorous) with up to 3 flowers per cluster. Flowers are large, white, 5-petalled, with large, loose scales on the outside, velvety on the inside. |
Fruit | The fruit is a green, round capsule measuring to 11 cm wide, densely covered with slender and stiff rambutan-like spines. Upon maturity, the fruit splits to reveal bare brown seeds, not covered in aril (seed coating). |
Habitat | It occurs in lowland forests up to 915 m altitude. |
Associated Fauna | Its flowers are pollinated by bats. |
Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
Etymology | Latin Durio, from the Malay name durian; Latin singaporensis, from Singapore, referring to the natural distribution of this species |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Foliage |
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Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens |
Thematic Landscaping | Golden Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bat Food |
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Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
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Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Yellow / Golden |
Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery, Thick |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
Foliar Venation | Recticulate |
Foliar Margin | Entire |
Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute, Obtuse |
Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
Non - Foliar and Storage
Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
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Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers , Bisexual Flowers |
Flower Colour(s) | White |
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Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Location | Cauliflorous |
Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Green |
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Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Bristly, Thorny / Spiny |
Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
Fruit Type | |
Mature Seed Colour(s) | Brown |
References
References | <1> Kostermans. A.J. (1959). The Genus Durio Adans (Bombac.), Reinwardtia, 4(3): 106-108. Indonesia: Herbarium Bogoriense. <2> Ridley, H.N (1900). The Flora of Singapore. Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 33:51. <3> Ridley, H.N (1916). New and Rare Malayan Plants. Series VIII. Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 73:143. |
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Others
Master ID | 29703 |
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Species ID | 4012 |