Mamón Chino
Nephelium lappaceum
Native Region
Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand)
Max Height
12-20 meters (40-65 feet)
Family
Sapindaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-800m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Puntarenas
Season
Flowering
Feb-Apr
Fruiting
Jul-Oct
Mamón Chino (Rambutan)
The Mamón Chino (Nephelium lappaceum), known internationally as Rambutan, is one of the most visually exotic fruits found in Costa Rica. Its striking appearance—red or yellow skin covered in soft, hair-like spines—makes it instantly recognizable. Native to Southeast Asia, the rambutan was introduced to Costa Rica's Caribbean lowlands in the early 1900s and found the humid climate of Limón Province ideal. Today, Costa Rica has become a significant producer, and mamón chino season brings these hairy jewels to markets nationwide. The name literally means "Chinese mamón," reflecting both its Asian origins and its resemblance to the native Spanish lime in how it's eaten.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Nephelium lappaceum
- Family
- Sapindaceae (Soapberry)
- Maximum Height
- 12-20 m
- Native Region
- Southeast Asia
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Key Trait
- Hairy red fruit; sweet white flesh
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
4000
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist's community science database. Browse all observations →↗
Taxonomy and Classification
- Nephelium: Greek "nephele" meaning cloud (reference to seed coat) - lappaceum: Latin for "burr-like" (describing the fruit hairs) - Rambutan: From Malay "rambut" meaning hair - Mamón Chino: Spanish for "Chinese mamón" - Related to lychee and longan (same family)
Common Names
| Language/Region | Common Name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish (CR) | Mamón Chino | Standard Costa Rican name |
| English | Rambutan | International name |
| Malay/Indonesian | Rambutan | Original name |
| Thai | Ngoh | Thai name |
| Vietnamese | Chôm Chôm | Hairy head |
| Spanish (other) | Lichas, Achotillo | Regional variations |
Related Species Comparison
| Species | Common Name | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Nephelium lappaceum | Rambutan (THIS) | Hairy red skin, white flesh |
| Litchi chinensis | Lychee | Bumpy red skin, more fragrant |
| Dimocarpus longan | Longan | Smooth brown skin, sweeter |
| Melicoccus bijugatus | Mamón (Spanish Lime) | Green smooth skin, tangy |
| Nephelium ramboutan-ake | Pulasan | Thicker spines, sweeter |
Physical Description
General Form
The Mamón Chino is a medium to large evergreen tree with a dense, spreading crown. It's an attractive ornamental tree year-round, but becomes spectacular when heavy with clusters of red or yellow hairy fruits.
Identification Features
Bark and Trunk
- Bark color: Gray-brown
- Texture: Smooth to slightly rough
- Trunk: Straight, well-formed
- Branching: Dense, spreading
Leaves
- Type: Compound, pinnate
- Leaflets: 2-4 pairs (4-8 total)
- Size: Leaflets 7-20 cm long
- Shape: Elliptic to oblong
- Color: Dark green, glossy
- New growth: Reddish, attractive
Flowers
- Size: Small (2-5 mm)
- Color: Greenish-white
- Arrangement: Terminal and axillary panicles
- Fragrance: Light, sweet
- Types: Male, female, and hermaphrodite on same tree
Fruit (DISTINCTIVE!)
- Shape: Oval to round
- Size: 3-6 cm diameter
- Skin: Red or yellow with soft, hair-like spines
- Spines: 1-2 cm long, flexible (not sharp!)
- Flesh: Translucent white, grape-like
- Seed: Large, central, brown
- Taste: Sweet, slightly acidic, fragrant
Opening the fruit:
- Hold fruit firmly
- Make a shallow cut around the middle (bite or use thumbnail)
- Twist the two halves apart
- Pop out the white flesh
- Eat around the central seed
- Don't eat the seed!
Tips:
- The "hairs" are soft, not prickly
- Fresh is best—eaten within days of harvest
- Refrigerate to extend freshness
- The seed adheres to flesh in some varieties more than others
History in Costa Rica
How Rambutan Came to Costa Rica
Timeline of Introduction:
- Early 1900s: First trees brought to Costa Rica
- 1909-1913: German immigrants plant rambutan in Limón Province
- Mid-20th century: Trees spread through Caribbean lowlands
- 1970s-80s: Commercial production begins
- 1990s-present: Costa Rica becomes major Western Hemisphere producer
Why It Thrived: The Caribbean lowlands of Limón Province offer conditions remarkably similar to the rambutan's Southeast Asian homeland:
- High rainfall (3000-4000 mm/year)
- Warm temperatures year-round
- High humidity
- Rich volcanic soils
Today, Costa Rica is the largest rambutan producer in the Americas!
Ecology and Habitat
Distribution in Costa Rica
| Region | Production Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Limón Province | Major production | Ideal humid climate |
| Sarapiquí (Heredia) | Significant | Expanding production |
| San Carlos (Alajuela) | Moderate | Northern zone |
| Osa Peninsula | Limited | Pacific humid zone |
| Central Valley | Marginal | Too dry/cool |
Climate Requirements
Optimal Conditions
- Temperature: 22-30°C (72-86°F)
- Rainfall: 2500-4000 mm annually
- Humidity: High (75-90%)
- Elevation: Sea level to 800 m
- Soil: Deep, well-drained, fertile
Sensitivities
- Cold: Very frost sensitive
- Drought: Poor tolerance
- Dry season: Stress reduces yield
- Wind: Damages fruit
- Waterlogging: Can cause root issues
Pollination Biology
Flower Types
- Male flowers: Produce only pollen
- Hermaphrodite: Function as female
- Ratio: Varies by cultivar
- Flowering: Synchronized flushes
Pollinators
- Bees: Primary pollinators
- Flies: Secondary visitors
- Wind: Minimal role
- Cross-pollination: Improves fruit set
Uses
Culinary Applications
| Use | Description | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh eating | Peeled and eaten directly | Most common |
| Canned fruit | In syrup, exported | Major industry |
| Fruit salads | Added to tropical mixes | Common |
| Juices/Drinks | Blended preparations | Moderate |
| Desserts | Ice cream, pastries | Specialty |
| Jams | Preserved preparations | Less common |
Costa Rican Mamón Chino Industry
Costa Rica's rambutan industry is significant:
Production: Approximately 10,000 tons annually
Season: July-October peak, with secondary harvest possible
Export markets: United States, Europe, Canada
Fresh vs. Canned: Both fresh and canned fruit exported
Employment: Important seasonal income in Limón Province
Look for Costa Rican rambutans in international markets—they're highly regarded for quality!
Nutritional Value
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 68 kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 16.5 g | 6% |
| Fiber | 0.9 g | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 4.9 mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 22 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.35 mg | 2% |
| Phosphorus | 9 mg | 1% |
Medicinal Uses
| Use | Part | Traditional Application |
|---|---|---|
| Fever reduction | Leaves, bark | Decoction |
| Dysentery | Bark | Tea |
| Diabetes | Seeds | Traditional remedy |
| Hair care | Leaves | Poultice |
| Skin conditions | Leaves | Traditional use |
Other Uses
| Use | Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ornamental | Whole tree | Beautiful fruiting display |
| Shade | Canopy | Large spreading crown |
| Timber | Wood | Minor local use |
| Dye | Fruit skin | Traditional textile dye |
Cultivation
Growing Mamón Chino in Costa Rica
Production Cycle
| Stage | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flowering | Feb-April | Dry season triggers flowering |
| Fruit development | 3-4 months | After pollination |
| Harvest | July-October | When colors develop |
| Second flush | Nov-Dec (some areas) | In ideal conditions |
Varieties Grown in Costa Rica
| Type | Characteristics | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Red varieties | Classic appearance, most common | Fresh and export |
| Yellow varieties | Less common, equally sweet | Specialty markets |
| Freestone types | Flesh separates from seed easily | Preferred for fresh eating |
| Clingstone types | Flesh adheres to seed | Good for canning |
Cultural Significance
In Costa Rican Life
Mamón Chino Season
When mamón chino season arrives (July-October), Costa Rica experiences:
- Street vendors: Selling bunches at intersections
- Market abundance: Piles of hairy red fruit at ferias
- Family visits: To relatives in Limón Province
- School snacks: Favorite seasonal treat for children
- Restaurant features: Special seasonal dishes
The distinctive hairy appearance makes it one of the most recognizable "exotic" fruits for visitors to Costa Rica!
Economic Importance
| Aspect | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial orchards | Significant | Major industry in Limón |
| Export value | High | Premium tropical fruit |
| Employment | Important | Seasonal harvesting jobs |
| Small farmers | Common | Supplementary income |
| Domestic consumption | Strong | Popular seasonal fruit |
Comparison: Mamón vs Mamón Chino
| Feature | Mamón (Spanish Lime) | Mamón Chino (Rambutan) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Melicoccus bijugatus | Nephelium lappaceum |
| Origin | Caribbean | Southeast Asia |
| Skin texture | Smooth, brittle | Hairy, leathery |
| Skin color | Green | Red or yellow |
| Flesh color | Salmon-pink | Translucent white |
| Flesh texture | Gelatinous, thin | Thick, grape-like |
| Eating method | Suck from seed | Separate from seed |
| Taste | Sweet-tart | Sweet, fragrant |
| Season (CR) | June-August | July-October |
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
As a widely cultivated commercial crop, rambutan faces no conservation concerns. It has been successfully introduced throughout tropical regions and is commercially important in many countries. Wild populations in Southeast Asia are not threatened.
Quick Identification Guide
Key Identification Features
- Medium-large tree (12-20 m) with dense, spreading crown 2. Compound leaves with glossy dark green leaflets 3. Reddish new growth on branch tips 4. Clusters of hairy fruits (the distinctive feature!) 5. Soft, flexible "hairs" covering oval fruits 6. Red or yellow fruit color when ripe 7. White, translucent flesh around large brown seed
References and Further Reading
| Resource | Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Morton, J. Fruits of Warm Climates | Book | Comprehensive guide |
| CATIE Rambutan Manual | Technical | Cultivation in Central America |
| Costa Rica Export Data | Statistics | Production figures |
| Sapindaceae Family Research | Scientific | Botanical relationships |
