Duku Fruit (Lansium domesticum)

Also known as Longkong

A vigorous, spreading, symmetrical tree with dense foliage, fruit in clusters of 4-12. The tree can grow up to 20m tall. Fruits are spheroid, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, with a thick peel, little to no latex. The interior of each fruit contains 5 segments which are very much like the segments of a small grapefruit. The translucent white pulps are sweet and juicy. The seed is ellipsoid in shape and not to bite it (very bitter). Adapted to tropical conditions. It is a exotic fruit which can only be found in Northern Peninsular Malaysia and South of Thailand and Indonesia.

How to grow
Duku fruit needs ultra-tropical climate: full sun, tropical climate with high rainfall and humidity. The tree does best on deep, rich, well-drained, sandy loam or other soils that are slightly acid to neutral and high in organic matter. Propagated by seeds. Sow the seed into the soil with 2 inches depth. The seeds will germinate usually in 3 weeks. The trees are spaced 25 to 33 ft (8-10 m) apart in orchards.

Harvest info
Duku fruit tree in Malaysia generally bear twice a year-in June and July and again in December and January or even until February. Most duku fruit tree will starting to bear fruit in 12-15 years.

Nutrition info
High in Vitamin C, Phosphorous, and Calcium, contains Iron, Riboflavin, Niacin and Thiamine.

Health benefit
The fruit peel is dried and burned to repel mosquitoes; it is also used to treat intestinal parasites and diarrhea. Powdered seeds are used to reduce fever, and the bark is used to treat malaria and scorpion stings.