Yellow Rambutan (Muar Gading)

Originally from Malaysia, the Yellow Rambutan is a rare tropical treasure that produces exotic fruits similar to litchis. Its eye-catching bright yellow skin is covered in soft, pale yellow hair-like spines, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

The oval-shaped fruits have plump, firm flesh with a juicy texture and an exceptionally sweet flavour. Inside, the flesh has a lovely yellow hue and offers a refreshing tropical taste that is sure to impress fruit lovers.

This unique variety is highly sought after for its sweetness and striking appearance, although the fruits do have a short shelf life of around 3–4 days once picked.

A true tropical gem for collectors and adventurous gardeners alike! Not suitable for cold winter climates.

Tropical plants may be small. Scroll Down for Growing Information:

Position

Full sun or partial shade. Best suited to a tropical climate.

Size

Typically grows 8 – 15 metres in height with a spread of 3 – 4 metres.

Soil

Well-draining, rich in organic matter. Adding half a bag of Volcanic Rock Dust and a bag of Superfrass (R25 each) will assist in rapid growth. They also protect the roots from being eaten by insects.

Watering

Regular, consistent moisture is essential for the plant’s health, especially when it is young. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Do not allow the roots to dry out, as this can cause the plant to wilt and die.

Mulch

Add a thick layer of Pine Bark Mulch, keeping it about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the tree trunk (any closer may cause excess moisture and damage the trunk). Pine Bark mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents weeds.

Fertilising

Apply 3 teaspoons every 4 months of our slow-release all-plant fertiliser. The roots will absorb what they need.

Pruning

The best time to prune a Rambutan tree is immediately after harvesting, once the tree has finished fruiting. This allows the tree to recover and produce strong new shoots for the next flowering season.

For South African subtropical conditions, this is usually late summer to early autumn after the main crop. Avoid heavy pruning during winter or just before flowering, as this can reduce the next season’s fruit set. Remove dead or diseased branches, crossing branches, weak upright shoots (“water sprouts”).

Lightly thin the canopy to improve airflow, sunlight penetration and fruit quality. Reduce excessive height to make harvesting easier.

Heavy pruning can delay flowering and fruit production for a season.

Harvesting

Allow the fruit to remain on the tree until it is fully coloured and beautifully sweet for the best flavour and quality. Harvest whole fruit clusters using pruning shears or a long-handled pruning pole. Avoid pulling individual fruits, as damaged skins spoil more quickly.
Pick during the cool early morning or late afternoon to help keep the fruit fresh and prevent moisture loss. Protect ripening fruit by covering trees with netting a few weeks before harvest to reduce damage from birds, bats, and squirrels.

Pests & Diseases

Susceptible to many pests and diseases. Best to keep a watch and preferably use preventative measures by spraying with agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control)