BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Durian Tree, a special plant, was formally introduced at the national trade fair which is ongoing in Honiara.

The tree species is an exotic species, meaning it was brought from overseas.

It is a true that bears fruit and at the same time, a tree that has commercial and non-commercial purposes.

Based on the forestry record and data, this tree only grows in Malaita province Forestry Station and Kolombagara Poitete Forestry Station in Western province.

Bolea Faka Dakei, principal forester based in Poitete Forestry Station explained that from the information they have, an investor, Yang Jian Qing, who visited Poitete in the last two months, imports 1billion dollars annually.

“By looking at the sum and if local farmers are involved, there exists a huge potential to utilise the tree for money in our economy,” he said.

The Durian tree is becoming a demanding fruit tree in the Solomon Islands.

“This is according to experience. One fruit is valued at SBD$50-100, depending on its size. Its size is more like a soursop fruit but a little bigger,” said Dakei.

The Durian fruit usually grows from its stem, similar to jackfruit trees.

“It’s fruiting season in a year is from April to May and August and September. It takes five years for the Durin to fully mature. It is edible and has a unique taste or flavour. It tastes more like casted and a mixture of icing,” he said.

According to Bolea Faka Dakei the Durian tree is common in Asian countries.

“Chinese, Japanese and Korean people get used to the Durian Tree. For them, it grows naturally. For us, it is a new species,” he said.

The tree usually grows on mainland since it is not a coastal tree and grows best on slopes due to water accessibility.

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