Dimocarpus longan 'Biew Kiew' (Longan tree)

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Plant description

The longan tree is an evergreen tropical tree that is native to south east Asia, and it bears edible fruit. It is a close relative of the lychee, which it resembles. It is a decorative tree, with glossy foliage, a dense canopy and corky furrowed bark. They can grow to around 10 metres tall and wide.

Biew Kiew is a variety from Thailand that is well suited to the subtropics with cooler winters. This variety is a consistant, heavy cropper with good quality fruits.

The longan prefers a deep, well drained, fertile soil. It tolerates periods of dryness but will bear better when regularly watered and fed. It is relatively pest and disease free. The longan needs a period of colder weather to initiate flowering, but is not frost hardy.

It bears delicious fruit that is refreshing and musky sweet. It resembles an eyeball, as the flesh is translucent white, encasing a shiny black seed. The shell is papery brown and easy to peel when mature. The fruit needs to ripen on the tree, as it doesn't ripen further when picked.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: Yellow
Flowering season: summer autumn

Plant size

Maximum height: 10 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 8 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Birds, fruit bats.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose.

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