The durian is th fruit of trees belonging to the genus Durio. There are currently 30 recognised Durio species, all native to south-eastern asia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia" title="Asia - . At least nine species produce edible fruit. Durio zibethinus
is the only species available in the international market, but other
species can be found in local markets in their native region. The
durian fruit is distinctive for its large size, unique odour, and its
formidable thorn-covered husk. Its name comes from the malay word duri, meaning "thorn".
The fruit can grow up to 40 cm long and 30 cm in diameter, and
typically weighs one to five kg. The shape of the fruit ranges from
oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown, and its flesh
pale-yellow to red, depending on species. Its hard outer husk is
covered with sharp, prickly thorns http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spine_%28biology%29" title="Spine biology - , and a strong, distinctive odour http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odor" title="Odor -
emits from the flesh within. Some regard this odour as fragrant, while
the uninitiated often find it overpowering or offensive. The edible
portions of the fruit are the custard-like flesh and the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed" title="Seed - seed.
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