Considered as one of nature’s smelliest secrets, the truth behind the pungent smell of durian has been revealed!

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Durian, which scientific name is Durio zibethinus, is a spiky and stinky tropical fruit that grows on trees. The smell gets more pungent when it ripens. Some love it, others hate it.

A study conducted by a team of five cancer scientists in Singapore has found an odour gene which gives the fruit its strong pungent aroma.

In a first, the study which took three-long years, have a complete genetic map of the tropical fruit, according to BBC reports. Their findings were published in Nature Genetics.

The stinky durian is grown in many tropical region of Southeast Asia.

The reports also revealed durian’s ancestry, dating back about 65 million years to the cacao plant.

According to the scientists, the durian’s strong odour attracts animals to eat it and disperse its seeds in the wild.

The big, green, thorny fruit is often eaten raw and its chips made. It is also used as an ingredient in many food, including ice-creams, cakes, biscuits and milkshakes. The seeds are either boiled or roasted and eaten as whole or powdered and used in chutneys and salads.

(With inputs from agencies)