Tony Moody
NSW Agriculture

Durio zibethinus

Cantonese: Lau Lin
French: Dourian

Distinctive in appearance with a browny green skin covered in hard spikes, inside which the flesh is custard-like and in three to five segments, each surrounding a seed.

It is the aroma of the durian rather than its shape which is its most distinguishing feature. To those unfamiliar with the  taste of the fruit, the smell is overpowering. Because of this, fresh durian are transported in sealed styro boxes, and are not usually put out on display at wholesale outlets.

Growing conditions: Tropical - Northern Territory and North queensland. The season extends from November to April -May. Outside this season, imported fruit are available, but these are imported frozen to meet quarantine requirements.