Pulasan Fruit plant

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Nephelium ramboutan-ake

• Common Names: Pulasan, Kapulasan

• Family: Sapindaceae (same family as lychee and rambutan)

• Origin: Native to Peninsular Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia; cultivated in Southeast Asia and some tropical regions.

• Type: Tropical evergreen fruit tree

 Appearance

• Size: Medium-sized tree, usually 10–15 m tall.

• Leaves: Pinnate, glossy, dark green with 5–10 pairs of leaflets.

• Flowers: Small, greenish-white, borne in clusters (not showy).

• Fruit:

  • Round to oval, about 5–7 cm in diameter.

  • Thick, leathery, and covered with short blunt spines (unlike rambutan’s long hairy spines).

  • Flesh is white, juicy, sweet, and less watery than rambutan.

  • Seed can often be separated easily (unlike rambutan where it clings to the flesh).

 Care Guide

• Sun Light: Full sun for best fruit production.

• Soil: Fertile, well-draining loamy soil; prefers slightly acidic conditions.

• Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry season; keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Fertilizer: Use organic manure + balanced NPK fertilizer. Potassium-rich fertilizers improve fruiting.

• Pruning: Minimal pruning; remove dead or crossing branches.

 Uses & Benefits

1. Edible Fruit:

   • The sweet, juicy flesh is eaten fresh.

   • Sometimes used in desserts and juices.

2. Nutritional Value:

   • Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals.

   • Good source of natural sugars for quick energy.

3. Medicinal / Traditional Uses:

   • Seeds sometimes roasted and eaten.

   • Traditionally, parts of the tree are used in folk medicine (for fever, skin health).

4. Ornamental & Shade:

   • Attractive as a fruit tree and shade provider in tropical gardens.