Description

General aspect and origins - Nephelium lappaceum is also known as rambutan. It is a tropical tree that is native to Southeastern Asia, and more precisely to Indonesia and Malaysia. It is now grown in most tropical areas in the world. The rambutan can grow up to about 75 ft (25 m) tall, and bears orange-red edible fruits with yellow-red hairlike spinterns.
Leaves - The rambutan has alternate and compound leaves which can be up to 12 in (30 cm) long.
Flowers - This tree bears small flowers which are grouped in panicles.
Fruits - Rambutans are ovoid fruits, which are about 2.5 in (6 cm) long. The skin is orange-red, and the fruit is covered with hairlike yellow-red spinterns. The pulp is white, translucent and aromatic. It contains a single seed.

Culture

Unlike litchis, which are close relatives, rambutans cannot tolerate any chill. Rambutans can thus be grown in USDA zones 10b and warmer.
Soil - Rambutan prefers fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic grounds.

Propagation

Rambutan may be propagated by seed, grafting or air layers. Seeds should be as fresh as possible. In that case, germination generally occurs in 2-3 weeks.