Duku Fruit Live Plant (Lansium domesticum)
• Botanical Name: Lansium domesticum
• Common Name: Duku
Origin
• Duku belongs to the genus Lansium and is one of the five closely related species often mistaken for each other — Langsat, Duku-Langsat, Longkong (Dokong), and Kokosan.
• The true Duku variety is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, and today it is widely cultivated across tropical regions, with major production in Malaysia and Indonesia. It has also been successfully introduced to areas like Hawaii and Suriname, proving its adaptability to humid tropical climates.
Fruit Description
• The fruit clusters grow in tight bunches of 5 to 25 oval, thick-skinned units.
• Beneath the skin lies translucent, sweet and aromatic pulp, often described as refreshing with a subtle floral tone.
• The segments separate cleanly and are enjoyed fresh, making the fruit a sought-after seasonal delicacy in Southeast Asia.
Tree / Plant Characteristics
• Duku is a slow to moderate-growing tropical evergreen tree, forming a rounded canopy with dense foliage.
• Leaves are thick and leathery, allowing the tree to endure strong sunlight common in its native regions.
• The tree produces fruit in clusters directly on the branches and trunk — a striking and attractive feature for collectors and home orchard growers.
Health Benefits
• A natural source of antioxidants that support cellular protection and overall wellness
• Provides vitamins and minerals that help maintain immune strength and energy
• The fruit’s gentle fibre content supports digestive comfort without heaviness
Nutritional Values
• Low in calories and naturally cholesterol-free
• Contains vitamin B family and vitamin C for immunity and metabolism
• Includes potassium and trace minerals necessary for daily nutritional balance
Culinary Uses
• Commonly eaten fresh due to its pleasant sweetness
• Used in fruit bowls and desserts to enhance flavour and aroma
• In some regions, the pulp is added to juices for a refreshing tropical beverage
• Seeds are generally not eaten due to bitterness
Traditional and Medicinal Relevance
• In rural Southeast Asian practices, Duku fruit has been consumed during warm seasons for natural hydration and energy.
• Decoctions from the bark and rind are sometimes mentioned in folk remedies, though these practices are cultural rather than scientifically standardised.
Cultivation and Maintenance
• Prefers warm, humid tropical climate
• Grows best in deep soil enriched with organic matter and consistent moisture
• Requires partial shade during early years, later adapting to full sun
• Bloom Time / Fruiting: Typically begins within a few years under ideal care
• Maintenance Level: Moderate
Conclusion
• The Duku Fruit tree stands out for its delightfully sweet, aromatic taste and distinctive clustered fruiting pattern, making it both ornamental and highly rewarding to grow. Its reputation as a prized tropical delicacy, combined with its strong adaptability in humid climates, makes it an excellent choice for fruit enthusiasts and collectors. For those building a diverse tropical fruit garden with premium-quality varieties, the Duku fruit plant is a valuable addition — proudly available at Veliyath Gardens.
