'Big Jim' is a lesser-known cultivar that may begin production at a smaller size. Some growers note superior flavor.

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Latin name - Dimocarpus longan 

Longan is sometimes called “Poor Man’s Lychee” but we would argue that it stands as a fantastic fruit in its own right.  In fact, some of our friends and staff members prefer Longan fruit to its red-skinned (and more expensive) cousin.   Yes, botanically they are closely related– but Longan trees stand out in a few significant ways:  The crop comes in later in the year, just as mango season is dwindling.  The trees grow a bit faster, are more cold hardy, and are arguably nicer looking.  And, most importantly, Longan trees are immune to the dreaded Lychee Erinose Mite! 

Longan fruit also gets the name “Dragon Eye” for the eyeball-like appearance of its fruit when bitten into.  They hang in large clusters, up to 3-4 pounds each with several dozen fruits.  The fruit has a thin, tan colored skin which is easily removed to reveal a translucent white juicy flesh with a firm but gelatinous texture.  The taste is somewhere between a grape and a coconut…. If you’ve never had Longan this might be hard to imagine, but it’s really good!  Fresh Longan fruit is addicting and fun to eat, and thankfully it’s abundant when in season (Late July-September).  

Longan trees are propagated by air-layering and are easy to grow, producing fruit at about 3 years old.  Plant yours in full sun, with ample room to grow, as this is a larger tree and can get to 15 ft easily or much larger if never pruned.  They aren’t fussy about soil type as long as the area is not soggy or saturated.  The key with Longan trees is to prune regularly, especially the first few years– establishing a low “open center” structure to the tree makes harvesting much easier.

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Size: 15-20 ft or larger, can be pruned to stay manageable

Sun Requirements:  Full sun

Cold Hardy: 25º Fahrenheit

Harvest Season:  Late Summer

Watering requirements:  Drought tolerant once established