Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)

Family: Sapindaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Rambutan, Nephelium lappaceum, is medium-sized tree growing only about 9 - 15 m in height with a straight bole that is usually around 40 - 60 cm in diameter. It is evergreen and has an open, spreading crown. One of the most popular fruit tree worldwide, Rambutan is named as such for the hairy protuberances of the fruit - 'Rambut' means 'hair' in the Malay-Indonesian language.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, juicy, light-coloured flesh is delicious eaten raw. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The sweet, juicy, light-coloured flesh is delicious eaten raw.; It can also be stewed, canned in syrup, used in jams, jellies etc.; The bright red, ovoid fruit is 5 - 6cm long and is produced in clusters of 10 - 12 fruits.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in the lower or middle storey in different types of primary and secondary forest ranging from dryland to swamp. Lowland humid forests. (Zone 10)