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the durian is the fruit of trees of the genus durio. there are 30 recognised durio species, all native to souteastern asia and at least nine of which produce edible fruit. durio zibethinus is the only species available in the international market; other species are sold in their local regions. it is distinctive of its large size, unique odor (overpowering to some), a formidable thorn-covered husk. its name came from the malay word 'duri', meaning "thorn". its shape ranges from oblong to round, typically weighs up to 5kg, the color of its husk green to brown and its flesh pale yellow to red, depending on species. the hard outer husk is covered with sharp prickly thorns, while the flesh within emits a strong, distinctive odor. some regard this odor fragrant, other find it overpowering or offensive! the custard-like flesh is eaten, and when cooked, the seeds as well- after boiling, drying and frying or roasting.
durian fruit is used to flavor a wide variety of sweet edibles such as candy, rose bicuits, cakes and, with a touch of modern innovation, ice cream, milkshakes, mooncakes and even cappuccino.
medicinally, a decoction of the leaves and roots used to be prescribed as an antipyretic is common in malaysia.

kingdom : plantae
division : magnoliophyta
class : magnoliopsida
order : malvales
family : malvaceae
genus : durio

info source : wikipedia