Rambutan
Nephelium lappaceum
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Pl. 2030 — Nephelium lappaceum
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IOverview
Overview
Rambutan is a tropical tree belonging to the family Sapindaceae and can grow up to 20 meters in height. Native to regions including Borneo, China South-Central, China Southeast, Hainan, Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, and Vietnam, this tree thrives in moist environments with medium to heavy clay soil and requires full or partial sun. Known for its edible fruit, the rambutan is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance. One distinctive feature of the rambutan is its spiky, red outer covering that encases the sweet, white flesh inside.
Quick answers
What is Rambutan?
Rambutan is a tropical tree belonging to the family Sapindaceae and can grow up to 20 meters in height.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rambutan thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be medium or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for tropical climates. For propagation, use seeds. This tree grows up to 20 meters tall and produces edible fruit and seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Rambutan for the first time
8steps
Start with a young rambutan plant for the best beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young rambutan sapling, well-draining soil, and a sunny spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is rich, moist, and well-draining. For containers, use a mix of potting soil and perlite.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant your young rambutan sapling into a prepared hole that’s slightly larger than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when they turn bright red and are slightly soft.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:DyeHouseplantLightingoilSoapTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 8 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 12 native· 8 introduced
Asia7 regions
native (5)ChinaMyanmarPhilippinesThailandVietnam
introduced (2)LaosSri Lanka
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Costa Rica
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Angola
Broader regions
native:Borneo, Malaya, Maluku, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Hainan
introduced:Caroline Is., Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Trinidad-Tobago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 203065fa-4387-496a-9624-bd09bd493314
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