RAMBUTAN

Rambutan is a medium-sized tropical tree in the family Sapindaceae, native of Southeast Asia.

It is an evergreen tree that reaches 10-20 meters in height. The leaves are alternate and pinnate, 10-30 cm long, with 3-11 divisions, each 5-15 cm long and 3-10 cm wide, with entire margins. The flowers are small, 2-2,5 mm, without petals born in terminal panicles 15-30 cm long. The fruit is an oval drupe 3-6 cm long and 3-4 wide, they are born in clusters of 10-20 together. The skin is reddish (rarely yellow or orange), and covered with soft spines. Its name comes from the Malay word Rambut that means hair.

The fruit has a juicy white flesh which can be acidic or too sweet. The only brown seed is 2-3 cm long and is poisonous so it cant be consumed with the pulp of the fruit.

Production
The rambutan tree grows and produces better in full sun. Can be planted on hills or flat areas provided they are not too wet.

Only the "female" tree, who is bisexual, produces fruit and begins to produce between 4 and 6 years. All male trees must be removed or grafted.

A mature tree can produce up to 400 kilos of fruit per year.