rambutan
rambutan, (Nephelium lappaceum), tree of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). It is native to Malaysia, where it is commonly cultivated for its tasty fruit, also called rambutan. The bright-red, oval fruit, about the size of a small henβs egg, is covered with long, soft spines and has a tasty acid pulp. The tree grows to about 10.5β12 metres (35β40 feet).
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
rambutan
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
21 August 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026