SPIKED WONDER

I had first seen and tasted a Rambutan many decades ago in South East Asia in Bangkok.

I was thus “Wonder Struck” when I saw these beautiful fruits growing  in  Kerala, India.

The tree is covered by Spiky Red Orbs each resembling Lychees which I am familiar with from my childhood.

It is spellbinding to see Fruits growing and the wonder is amplified manifold when the fruit looks as bizarre as the Rambutan ( English) , Nephelium lappaceum ( Scientific name).

Are these Lychees ?

A closer look and the Abundant Spiked Hair rules them out as Lychees. The Rambutan when deprived of the Red Spiky Skin  looks very similar to a Lychee.

It is thus not surprising to learn that the two exotic fruits are closely related and belong to the same  family “Sapindaceae”.

 Spiked Wonders in Red

Thus far almost unknown to the Indian Hinterland they now add colour to the dull grey highways of Kerala.

Besides the Fabulous looks this Handsome Exotic fruit has a plethora of Health Benefits as well . They reduce unwanted fat, are a rich source of  Vitamin C and great for the Skin.

Splendour along a Highway

All parts of the tree  like the Leaves and seeds and skin of the fruit have numerous therapeutic properties as well.

They have in numerous texts been labelled as the most Exotic of all fruits on this Planet.

Do you agree ?

Behold these Wonderous Red heads, the Rambutan.

Rambutan