Durio Zibethinus — Durion
This fine tree attains a height of from 60 to 80 feet; it derives its name from the Malay word “dury,” a thorn, in reference to the prickly covering of the fruit. The leaves, which are a light, glossy green on the upper surface, are alternate, entire, elliptical and acute. The yellowish-white flowers are large. The fruit, which is either globular or oval, sometimes measures 10 inches in length. It has a hard rind, covered with thorny warts or spines, and externally looks not unlike a breadfruit. When ripe, it is brownish-yellow, and, when opened at its lower end, shows five longitudinal sections or cells, each containing from 1 to 4 seeds about the size of a pigeon’s egg. The edible pulp surrounding the seeds is firm and cream-colored. The Durion is remarkable for its combination of an absolutely delicious flavor and an abominably offensive odor. To my knowledge there is but one tree in bearing in the Hawaiian Islands, and that is growing in private grounds at Lihue, Kauai.