Durian ( Durio zibethinus ), is crowned the “King of Fruits” in the tropics. The durian derives its name from the Malay word “ duri ” meaning thorns; so named because the fruit is covered with sharp spines. The durian is prized for its aroma and flavour, though detractors consider the durian's strong aroma offensive. The durian fruit may be round to oval and slightly smaller than a football. They may be green to greenish bronze in colour with whitish-cream to orangy-yellow flesh inside. The seeds are embedded in the flesh. The creamy flesh has a unique flavour that is universally appealing.

The durian grows on a tall and statuesque tree that resembles the shape of a large Christmas tree. They have leaves that are green on the upper side and bronze on the underside. Durian flowers are strongly scented and hang on durian branches. Grafted trees begin to bear after 4-7 years and may live and continue bearing for a very long time.

Durian is a seasonal fruit and is commercially cultivated in many tropical countries mainly in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines.

Other than being eaten fresh, durian is also used in cooking and processed into a variety of foods like durian cake, ice-cream and sweets.