Nephelium lappaceum
Family: Sapindaceae

Rambutan is the fruit of a large, evergreen tree which is indigenous to Malaysia but is now widely cultivated in the tropical lowlands of Central America, the Philippines and Australia. Some call it the hairy lychee. Trees may grow to around 15 m (50 ft) or more in height, with a dense canopy of pinnate leaves. Fruits are carried in clusters of ten or twelve, and at maturity are about 5 cm (2 cm) long, bright red and covered with soft, fleshy spines. The fruit is eaten fresh, on its own or in fruit salads. It can be dried or canned, much the same as the lychee. Unlikely to be available in the UK.

Cultivation

Not really suitable for growing under glass in frost-prone climates. Outdoors, these trees need deep, rich, fertile soil and high rainfall. They may be grown from seed, but are more commonly propagated by bud grafting, which ensures that good cropping and other features are maintained.

Climate

For tropical regions only.