Definition

Noun 1. A tropical fruit tree: Nephelium mutabile is the scientific name for a species of fruit tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically the East Indies. It is known for producing a sweet, edible fruit. 2. The fruit of this tree: The term can also refer to the fruit itself, which is similar to but considered sweeter than the fruit of the closely related rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum).

Usage

• The word is primarily used in botanical, horticultural, or scientific contexts to precisely identify this specific species of tree and its fruit. In everyday conversation, the fruit is more commonly known by its regional names.
• It functions as a singular, proper noun. When referring to multiple trees or fruits, the term remains (e.g., "a grove of ").

Examples

• Scientific/Botanical Context:
  • Nephelium mutabile is cultivated in several countries for its desirable fruit.
  • The study compared the sugar content of Nephelium mutabile and Nephelium lappaceum.
• General Descriptive Context:
  • We sampled the delicious fruit from the Nephelium mutabile tree.
  • The pulp of Nephelium mutabile is often eaten fresh.

Advanced Usage

• The name follows binomial nomenclature, where is the genus and is the specific epithet. It is conventionally italicized in print.
• In taxonomic writing, the name of the botanist who first formally described the species may follow the name in non-italicized text (e.g., Blume).

Variants and Related Words

• Pulasan: This is the most common common name for in English, derived from the Malay word , meaning "to twist," referring to how the fruit is opened.
• Bulala (Philippines): A regional name used in the Philippines.
• Ngoh-khonsan (Thailand): A regional name used in Thailand.
• Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum): A closely related species within the same genus, known for its hairy rind. fruit is often compared to it.
• Lychee (Litchi chinensis): Another related fruit in the same Sapindaceae family, with a similar taste profile.

Synonyms

• Pulasan tree
• Pulasan fruit

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and almost exclusive meaning of is the botanical identification of this specific tree and its fruit. It does not have idiomatic or metaphorical meanings in general English usage.
• The specific epithet "" is Latin for "changeable," which may refer to variations in the fruit's color or characteristics.

Noun

1. East Indian fruit tree bearing fruit similar to but sweeter than that of the rambutan