D196 is a durian often associated with Johor. But the registration details actually list the origin as Melaka.

The official name is Simpang Permata. It is often known as wang bu liao (忘不了) in Chinese which means unforgettable. It is sometimes labeled as Empurau which a play on the Chinese words wang bu liao.

While there is a considerable amount of D196 trees in Johor plantations, it can be quite rare to come by. Even when the season’s harvest hits it’s peak, it’s seldom found on the shelves of durian sellers.

This is because consumers who love bitter durians, tend to love D196. And many can reserve them early for themselves. Or that when they do come across it, they place a bulk order.

Even though the fruitlets usually carry a pale creamish colou, the aril can often carry a very dark bruise. The type that will sent durian hunters squealing with delight.

While playing around with this durian, I noticed that the hue changes dramatically when pictured under the sun and under the shade. I don’t know what kind of sorcery this is. Maybe the camera just automatically changed it’s settings when under the sun.

But if this is a D196 glitch of the matrix, it could explain why this durian is often observed to have dark bruises.

The bitterness profile is in the same league as tawa D162. So those who love tawa would most probably love D196 too.