Age: | Young (1-3 years) |
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Feature: | Evergreen |
Function: | Clean Air |
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Origin and Historical Background: Native to the subtropical forests of Southern China and Southeast Asia, the Longan tree has a rich history of cultivation spanning over two thousand years. It is a celebrated member of the Sapindaceae family, closely related to the equally famous lychee and rambutan. Revered in folklore and traditional medicine, its journey from ancient Asian gardens to modern global orchards is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Health and Environmental Benefits: The Longan fruit is a delicious source of nutrition. It is packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, and is a good source of potassium and B vitamins. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dried Longan is highly valued as a "warming" food used to nourish the blood, calm the mind, and improve sleep. Environmentally, the Longan tree is a valuable asset, acting as a significant carbon sink, preventing soil erosion, and providing a rich source of nectar for bees, thus supporting local ecosystems.
Care and Cultivation Guide: The Longan is a hardy and rewarding tree to cultivate with proper management.
Light: Requires Full Sun for vigorous growth and abundant fruit production.
Watering: Water requirements are moderate. The best practice is to Water Regularly but Ensure Excellent Drainage, as the tree does not tolerate waterlogged soil ("wet feet"). It is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from consistent moisture during flowering and fruiting.
Soil: Adapts to various soil types but thrives in rich, sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. A formula higher in potassium is recommended before and during fruiting to enhance fruit size and sweetness.
Climate: As a subtropical tree, it flourishes in USDA Zones 9b-11. Mature trees can withstand brief, light frosts, but young trees require protection from freezing temperatures.
Multifunctional Versatility: The Longan is far more than just a fruit tree. Its dense, spreading canopy makes it an exceptional shade tree for residential properties, community spaces, and livestock pastures. The timber is hard and durable, often used locally for posts, agricultural tools, and furniture. This blend of horticultural, nutritional, and functional properties makes the Longan a truly versatile and sustainable choice.
Additional Features and Advantages:
The Famous "Dragon's Eye" Fruit: The fruit's unique appearance and name is a powerful marketing tool.
Excellent for Processing: Unlike many tropical fruits, Longan dries exceptionally well, concentrating its sweetness and creating a stable, high-value product with a long shelf life.
Grafted for Early Maturity: Our trees are propagated from proven, high-quality parent stock, ensuring they bear fruit in 2-4 years, compared to 7-10 years for seed-grown trees.
Durable & Long-Lived: Longan trees are known for their longevity and resilience, capable of producing fruit for many decades.