Are you searching on Google to know about
the rambutan tree? You may be searching. No problem. You have clicked on the
right article. If you are looking for a great plant to add beauty to your
garden and enjoy delicious sweet fruit, the rambutan tree is a great
choice for you. Thank you for your decision to plant a rambutan tree. This
fascinating tree's bright red, spiky fruits and green leaves will catch your
eye. Its fruit is tasty and easy to grow in warm weather. Let's learn
more about the rambutan tree.
Rambutan Tree
The Origin of Rambutan
Rambutan is a fruit tree native to
Southeast Asia. Mainly, it originates from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the
Philippines. It is known as Nephelium lapaceum. It is a member of the
Sapindaceae family which includes lychee and longan. Its fruit is small
and round. And, its color is red or yellow.
The skin of this fruit is covered with
soft spines. There is juicy flesh inside the flesh containing a large seed. In
fact, rambutan is popular for its sweet and slightly tart taste. However, rambutan
is enjoyed fresh and used in jams, jellies, and other desserts.
The Size and Fruit of Rambutan Tree
The rambutan tree is a medium-sized
evergreen tree. It grows up to 12-20 meters tall. It has a dense and spreading
crown and a straight and cylindrical trunk. Its diameter can be up to 40
cm.
The tree has dark green and glossy pinnate
leaves with 7-11 leaflets. The flowers of the rambutan tree are small and
white. They bloom in clusters on the branches. The fruit of the tree is in
bunches and ripens during the summer. Now let's know how to grow rambutan
How to Grow Rambutan
Though the rambutan tree is native to
Southeast Asia, it is now grown widely in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It
also grows in other parts of the world including the Caribbean, Central
America, and Africa.
However, the rambutan tree needs a warm
and humid climate to grow. It grows well in well-drained soil rich in organic
manure. It needs to be watered regularly during the dry season and fertilized
occasionally.
When to Plant Rambutan
Rambutan grows well in moderately warm and
humid climates. The best time to plant rambutan is at the beginning of the
rainy season, usually between March and July. Don’t plant it during the
dry season because rambutan plants require adequate water in the early stages.
Suitable Soil for Growing
The Rambutan plant grows well in slightly
acidic (pH 5.5 -- 6.5) loamy soil. The soil should be well-drained before
planting it but should retain enough moisture in the soil.
Therefore, before planting a rambutan
plant, you have to add organic manure such as compost to the soil to increase
soil fertility and drainage.
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How to Grow Rambutan from Seed
Choose a ripe rambutan and extract the
seed from the fruit. Then clean the pulp and dry it well in the sun.
After drying the seed thoroughly, soak it in water for 24 hours. Then bury it
1 inch deep in the soil of a pot. Lastly, water it properly. After 10-15
days, the seed will germinate. After germination, keep it in full
sunlight. If you take proper care, rambutan will bear fruit within 5-6 years.
The rambutan tree can also be grown by
grafting. A grafted rambutan tree produces fruit before the seed germination
method. So, if you want to eat rambutan fruit quickly, you can follow the
grafting method.
And, if you don't know how to graft the
rambutan tree, bring a rambutan plant from your nearest nursery and plant it.
This is the easiest way for you to plant rambutan.
How to Plant Rambutan
If you want to grow a rambutan tree from
grafting, choose a spot that has good drainage and adequate sunlight. Then dig
a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the plant. Add organic
manure to the hole first.
Then place the plant in the hole. Then
cover the hole with soil and water it. Finally, add mulch around the
roots to retain moisture.
Rambutan Tree Care
Rambutan tree requires warm temperatures
and regular rainfall. They should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH
between 5.0 and 6.5. The tree needs full sunlight to thrive.
It needs to be watered regularly,
especially during the dry season, and fertilized every three months with a
balanced 10-10-10 NPK formula. Occasional pruning is required to control the
size and shape of the tree and to increase fruit production.
Actually, the rambutan tree is susceptible
to a few insects and diseases. So, it has to be monitored regularly and
sprayed with insecticides occasionally.
Harvesting Rambutan Fruit
Rambutan fruits are usually harvested when
fully ripe. For this, a knife is needed to cut the rambutan fruit from the
tree. The main reason for using this knife is that the fruit is easily
bruised.
And bruised fruit spoils faster. And,
rambutan fruit can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the
refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Rambutan Benefits
Rambutan fruit is also popular for its
nutritional value. It is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
It also contains potassium, calcium, iron, flavonoids, and tannins.
It is very low in calories. However,
rambutan fruit is used to treat various ailments including fever, diarrhea, and
abdominal pain. It also reduces oxidative stress and improves blood sugar
control.
Rambutan vs Lychee
Rambutan and lychee are both delicious
fruits. They look similar but their tastes are different. Rambutan is native to
Southeast Asia. Its taste is sweet and slightly acidic. It is just like grapes.
Its hairy skin contains juicy flesh.
On the other hand, lychee originates from
China. Its taste is a mixture of sweet and sour. It is like tamarind. It is
covered in reddish-brown bark. Basically, lychee flesh is juicier and firmer
than rambutan. Both fruits have a pleasant taste. In fact, rambutan is somewhat
milder while lychee is more aromatic and pungent.
In conclusion, a rambutan tree is
truly a wonderful tree. It can increase the beauty of your garden. On the
other hand, by growing a rambutan tree, you can enjoy the valuable nutrition of
delicious rambutan fruit. So, buy a rambutan plant from a nursery today, grow
it in your garden, and start nurturing it. Finally, wait for rambutan. One day,
you will be able to enjoy the delicious fruit of your planted rambutan tree.
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