Longan
(Dimocarpus longan)
Longan (Dimocarpus longan)
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Yi-fan翊凡
Public Domain
Image By:
Yi-fan翊凡
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Yi-fan翊凡 | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Yi-fan翊凡 | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-03-26T07:49:34-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dimocarpus longan, commonly known as Longan, is an evergreen tree native to tropical rainforests and lower montane forests of South and Southeast Asia. It typically grows to a height of 30-40 feet and a width of 35-45 feet. The tree is characterized by its long, thick, drooping branches and wavy, glossy-green leaves. During the spring, it produces panicles of yellow and white flowers that are 4–18 inches long, followed by drooping clusters of edible fruits. The fruits are circular, about 1 inch wide, with a tan, thin, leathery peel covered in tiny hairs. The translucent flesh is sweet and musky, reminiscent of lychee, surrounding a large, black seed with a distinctive white spot.
Longan trees are valued for their sweet, succulent fruit, which is a popular food item in its native region and increasingly in other parts of the world. The tree is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. In cultivation, it is often used in tropical and subtropical landscapes, and in orchards for fruit production. Longan trees require well-drained, sandy soil and thrive in full sun to part shade. They are somewhat frost-sensitive but can tolerate brief cold snaps to about −2 °C (28 °F). Regular watering is necessary, especially during fruit development. Harvesting longan fruit requires care to keep the fruit attached to the branches, as they remain fresher this way. Picking is done early in the day to avoid heat damage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Longan trees are valued for their sweet, succulent fruit, which is a popular food item in its native region and increasingly in other parts of the world. The tree is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. In cultivation, it is often used in tropical and subtropical landscapes, and in orchards for fruit production. Longan trees require well-drained, sandy soil and thrive in full sun to part shade. They are somewhat frost-sensitive but can tolerate brief cold snaps to about −2 °C (28 °F). Regular watering is necessary, especially during fruit development. Harvesting longan fruit requires care to keep the fruit attached to the branches, as they remain fresher this way. Picking is done early in the day to avoid heat damage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-40 feet
- Width: 35-45 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption.
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical rainforests and lower montane forests of South and Southeast Asia
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Dimocarpus longan, Dimocarpus longana, Dimocarpus longus, Euphoria echinulata, Euphoria longana var. obtusa, Nephelium echinulatum, Nephelium longan,
GBIF Accepted Name: Dimocarpus longan Lour.