| Longan | |
| Dimocarpus longana (Euphoria longana) | |
| a.k.a. Dragon's Eye |
see more pictures of the longan
Often considered the poorer cousin of the illustrious lychee, the longan is very popular in its own right. Fruits vary in size, but are usually about the size of a very large grape. The thin yellow-brown skin encloses a translucent white pulp surrounding a single dark seed, hence the name "Dragon's Eye."
Description: A small to medium sized tree that can reach 40ft. Trees will
fully bloom after about three months of cool winter temperatures during
which period tree go dormant, and suffer when winters are too warm. Many longan varieties follow a
fruiting cycle whereby a good crop year is followed by 1-2 or more bad
years. Some commercial varieties have been developed that fruit on a more
regular basis.
Hardiness: The longan is mildly
hardy, and can survive brief temperature drops to 25-30F. However, it
grows best in a warm subtropical climate. Longan's are successfully grown
from Central to South Florida, as well as Southern California.
longan tree
Growing Environment: Longan
trees respond favorably to lots of irrigation, and can stand brief periods
of flooding. They do not stand drought.
Propagation: Often by seeds, which will lose viability within a
week or two. Commercial varieties are usually propagated by air-layering.
Air-layered trees can fruit within 2-3 years as compared to seedling grown
trees which take 5-10 years to fruit.
Uses: Usually eaten fresh. Longan's constitute a main ingredient in a variety of desserts and can made into a liqueur.
Native Range: Native to Southern China, usually growing at 500-1500ft above sea level.
