🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Rambutan fruit is edible, providing a sweet and slightly acidic taste. The seeds can be eaten roasted. In permaculture systems, it serves as a multi-layered component in food forests. The tree's shade can benefit other plants. Peels can be composted for soil enrichment. It is grown commercially in tropical climates for fruit production and may be integrated into agroforestry systems.
Permapeople description
Rambutan is a medium-sized tropical tree in the family Sapindaceae. The name also refers to the edible fruit it produces.
Botanical description
Nephelium lappaceum is a tropical tree in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). It is native to Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree, growing to 50-80 feet tall. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, with 3-11 leaflets, each leaflet 2-8 inches long and 1-3 inches broad, with an entire margin. The flowers are small, disc-shaped, apetalous, and borne in erect terminal panicles. The fruit is a drupe, 1-2 inches long and wide, initially green, then turning red, orange, or yellow as it ripens, with a leathery skin covered in fleshy spines (spinterns), hence the name 'rambutan', derived from the Malay word 'rambut' meaning 'hair'. The fruit flesh is translucent, whitish or very pale pink, with a sweet, slightly acidic flavor reminiscent of grapes. A single seed is contained within the fruit flesh.
Companion planting
Rambutan benefits from intercropping with legumes, which fix nitrogen in the soil. Shade-tolerant crops like ginger or turmeric can be grown under the rambutan tree. Avoid planting rambutan near plants that compete heavily for water or nutrients. Companion planting with bananas is also practiced in some areas, providing partial shade and humidity.
Propagation methods
Rambutan is typically propagated by seed, grafting, air layering (marcotting), or budding. Seed propagation results in variable offspring. Grafting onto selected rootstock (often related Nephelium species) ensures consistent fruit quality. Air layering and budding are also common techniques for clonal propagation.
History and traditions
Rambutan has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Malay archipelago. Traditionally, it has been used in folk medicine for its purported health benefits. In some cultures, the leaves and bark are used to create natural dyes. Rambutan is also a symbol of good luck and prosperity in some traditions.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs primarily during the wet season. Fruit maturation typically takes 3-6 months after flowering. Harvesting is usually done during the dry season to avoid fruit rot. Planting is best done at the start of the wet season. Pruning is typically carried out after harvesting to maintain tree shape and promote fruiting.