Longan

longan is large tree (30-40 ft). Longan is an excellent fresh fruit with a pleasant, unique, sweet flavor. Fruit are relative small (about the size of a typical strawberry), round to oval, and borne in loose clusters. When fruit are ripe, the leathery skin develops an attractive golden brown color. Longan trees are attractive having a dense, round to upright, symmetrical canopy of dark green foliage. They may grow as high as 40 feet. Plant in sunny, well-drained sites. Trees may begin to bear within 3-5 years of transplanting. However, unreliable bearing is a major constraint. Season: July-Aug. Longan is a subtropical tree well adapted to tropical climates with distinctive wet/dry periods and subtropical areas with a cool, nonfreezing fall/winter period. Longans are indigenous to lowland and middle elevations in southeast Asia and grow at elevations from sea level to 1500 feet (1.8-460 m). Longans produce more reliably in areas characterized by low non-freezing temperatures (59°F; 15°C or less) and a dry period during the fall and winter (October-February). Warm temperatures (70-85°F; 21-29°C) during spring, followed by high summer temperatures (80-95°F; 27-35°C) and nonlimiting soil moisture are best for fruit development. Warm and rainy winters are conducive to vegetative growth and reduce flowering and fruit production. Excessive rains during flowering cause flower drop and may reduce pollination and fruit set. Young longan leaves are sensitive to strong winds during vegetative flushing which may result in leaf dehydration, browning and deformation.