Evergreen tree up to 30 metres in height with odd-pinnate, dark green, lanceolate leaves with 4 to 5 leaflets. The inflorescences of the longan grow in many-branched panicles. These give rise to spherical yellowish-brown fruits that hang in dense bunches. The scaly fruit has a diameter of up to 3 cm and almost transparent, juicy pulp with a reddish seed at the centre.
The sweet fruits of the longan are easiest to open by prying them apart between two fingers to split and remove the thick shell. They are similar to lychees in taste and shape and are popular as a dried sweet snack.
Our stately longan tree produces lots of leaves but is still keeping us waiting for its fruit.
Southern Asia
Tropenhaus Wolhusen, 2009
The sweet fruits of the longan are easiest to open by prying them apart between two fingers to split and remove the thick shell. They are similar to lychees in taste and shape and are popular as a dried sweet snack.
Our stately longan tree produces lots of leaves but is still keeping us waiting for its fruit.
