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The durian is the fruit of trees of the genus Durio. Durio zibethinus (pictured) is the only species available in the international market. The durian fruit is distinctive for its large size, unique odour (which some find offensive), and a formidable thorn-covered husk. Its name means "thorny fruit". Durian is widely known in Southeast Asia as the "King of Fruits". The fruit can grow up to 40 centimetres (16 in) long and 30 centimetres (12 in) in diameter, and typically weighs 1 to 5 kilograms (2.2 to 11.0 lb). The British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace described its taste as like a "rich custard highly flavoured with almonds", but with "occasional wafts of flavour that call to mind cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine, and other incongruous dishes." (Read more...)