D. graveolens is a tropical plant species that needs high heat and humidity.
 Typically, it is found on clay-rich soils in wet lowland dipterocarp forests, frequently along riverbanks and swamps.
 Because of its tolerance for wet habitats, it is possibly resistant to infection by the oomycete Phytophthora palmivora.
 It can also be found on hillsides and shale ridges up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in elevation.

It is pollinated by bats.
 As it is one of the only species to naturally hybridize with D. zibethinus, they are thought to share a pollinator, likely the cave nectar bat (Eonycteris spelaea).
 Pollen from both of these durian species has been found in cave nectar bat feces, and possibly in that of the long-tongued fruit bat (Macroglossus sobrinus).

After harvest, fruit can be set upon by fungi such as Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Glomerella cingulata, Geotrichum candidum, Calonectria kyotensis, and occasionally Gliocephalotrichum bulbilium.
 Secondary or opportunistic fungal infection can be from species such as Aspergillus niger and other Aspergillus spp.,
Candida spp.,
Gibberella intricans, and Penicillium spp.

The fruit is fed on by Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), Prevost's squirrels (Callosciurus prevostii), crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis), black hornbills (Anthracoceros malayanus), possibly viverrids and sun bears (Helarctos malayanus).
 Black hornbills are also effective seed dispersers for the tree, and this is referenced in a few of the regional names for the tree .
D. graveolens is a tropical plant species that needs high heat and humidity.  Typically, it is found on clay-rich soils in wet lowland dipterocarp forests, frequently along riverbanks and swamps.  Because of its tolerance for wet habitats, it is possibly resistant to infection by the oomycete Phytophthora palmivora.  It can also be found on hillsides and shale ridges up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in elevation.
It is pollinated by bats.  As it is one of the only species to naturally hybridize with D. zibethinus, they are thought to share a pollinator, likely the cave nectar bat (Eonycteris spelaea).  Pollen from both of these durian species has been found in cave nectar bat feces, and possibly in that of the long-tongued fruit bat (Macroglossus sobrinus).
After harvest, fruit can be set upon by fungi such as Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Glomerella cingulata, Geotrichum candidum, Calonectria kyotensis, and occasionally Gliocephalotrichum bulbilium.  Secondary or opportunistic fungal infection can be from species such as Aspergillus niger and other Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., Gibberella intricans, and Penicillium spp.
The fruit is fed on by Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), Prevost's squirrels (Callosciurus prevostii), crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis), black hornbills (Anthracoceros malayanus), possibly viverrids and sun bears (Helarctos malayanus).  Black hornbills are also effective seed dispersers for the tree, and this is referenced in a few of the regional names for the tree .
Durio graveolens