Cultivation of neglected tropical fruits with promise. Part 6, The rambutan

Abstract

The rambutan, Nephelium lappaceum L., is a popular fruit of Southeast Asia still practically unknown in the Western Hemisphere. A medium-size tree with an open structure, the rambutan produces panicles of small flowers followed by clusters of ellipsoidal fruits up to 10 cm in length. The fruits are covered by a thick skin bearing flexible protuberances. The skin is easily peeled away, revealing a whitish pulp around a central seed. The pulp is sweet to subacid, translucent, attractive, and suitable for processing. The rambutan is strictly tropical in growth requirements and needs high humidity and a long rainy season. Cultural techniques are discussed. A problem of iron deficiency, which causes chlorosis, makes establishment of seedlings difficult. Improved varieties propagated by grafting are available. The rambutan would be a suitable and popular fruit for Puerto Rico and other parts of the American Tropics. KEYWORDS: botany, fruits, plant cultivation, rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), tropical agriculture (fruits).