2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Longan (lat. Dimocarpus longan) - fruit crop; evergreen tree of the Sapindaceae family. Another name is dragon's eye. Longan is grown in China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan. The plant got its name in honor of the Vietnamese province of Longan, in which it is widely cultivated.
Characteristics of culture
Longan is an evergreen tree up to 10-12 m high with a spreading crown, the width of which is sometimes equal to the height of the tree itself, and sometimes even exceeds it. The flowers of the culture are collected in small fluffy inflorescences that look like lumps, from which fruits with a diameter of up to 3-4 cm are subsequently formed.
The fruit pulp is sweet, juicy and very aromatic. The skin of the fruit is dense, without cracks, it can have a yellow, mustard and even reddish color. There is only one seed inside the fruit, as a rule, it is black or burgundy. The closest relative of the culture is the Chinese lychee; externally, the plants are very similar.
The subtleties of growing
Little is known about the reproduction and cultivation of the plant today, since the culture in Russia and other countries is not very popular, and is most often grown indoors. It is difficult to get longan seeds, and if such an opportunity presents itself, you should try your luck and try to grow this exotic plant, which after 3-7 years will delight its owner with tasty and juicy fruits.
The planting of the seed is carried out immediately after its extraction from the fruit. This is one of the prerequisites for successful cultivation, because after a few hours the seeds lose their germination. The soil for the culture plays an equally important role, the culture prefers light, peaty and well-drained soils. Subject to optimal conditions, entrances appear on the 7-9th day.
It is recommended to water the crops regularly, but waterlogging should not be allowed. Even a short-term drying out of the soil will adversely affect the development of plants, as a result, longans can shed their leaves and die. The room temperature must be at least 25-26C. In the future, the culture can be propagated by cuttings.
Care
Longan needs systematic formative pruning, otherwise it will grow and take on a far from ideal crown. Plants also need protection from pests. Very often, the culture is attacked by various types of scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs.
