Nephelium lappaceum is a native inhabitant of Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines where it is commonly known as rambutan. It is a medicinal and commercial crop. The fruits are eaten fresh or as canned products and some medicinal uses include the treatment for diarrhea, fever, dysentery and dyspepsia. Dried fruit rind is used in traditional medicine, cooking and in the manufacture of soap. The roots bark and leaves have various uses in medicine and in the production of dye.