Family: Sapindaceae
Author: Lour.
Bibliography: Fl. Cochinch.: 233 (1790)
Year: 1790
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dimocarpus
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Himalaya to S. China and NW. Pen. Malaysia
Description
Longan, scientifically known as Dimocarpus longan, is a tropical tree that bears an edible fruit of the same name. This plant, first described by Lour. in the documentation of “Flora Cochinchinensis” in 1790, belongs to the Sapindaceae family.
The longan tree is native to a wide range extending from the Eastern Himalayas to Southern China and Northwestern Peninsular Malaysia. This geographical distribution suggests the plant’s adaptability to various subtropical climates within this extensive region.
The longan fruit, often referred to as the “dragon’s eye” due to its translucent flesh with a central black seed, is cherished for its sweet, musky flavor and juicy texture. Similar to the lychee, longan fruits grow in clusters and are harvested during the late summer months. Their versatility in culinary uses ranges from fresh consumption to dried forms, which are often used in traditional Asian desserts, soups, and even medicinal remedies.
Cultivation of the longan tree requires a warm climate and well-drained soil. The tree can reach substantial heights, offering not only fruit but also aesthetic value to landscapes. The leaves of the longan tree are glossy and pinnate, adding to its ornamental appeal. It is common to find these trees in orchards and home gardens in regions where the climate permits.
In addition to its delectable fruit, longan has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving sleep, reducing stress, and boosting immunity. The dried pulp of the fruit is particularly valued in Chinese medicine for its tonic properties.
Given its extensive cultivation regions and historical usage, longan remains a significant fruit in both agricultural and cultural contexts, celebrated for its unique flavor and beneficial properties.
Common Names
Eng: longan, dragon’s-eye
Deu: longanbaum, longanbeere
Swe: longan
Por: longana, olho-de-boi, olho-de-dragão
Fra: longanier, oeil de dragon
Spa: longán
Msa: mata kucing
Khm: មៀន
Zho: longyan
En: Longan, Lengeng, Kléngkéng, Dragon’s-eye, Longan Eyeball tree, Longan tree
Ar: لونجان
Az: Lunğan
Bn: কাঠলিচু
My: တောကြက်မောက်
Zh: 桂圓, 龍眼, 龙眼, Longyan
Fi: Longaani
Fr: Longanier, Oeil de dragon, Longani
De: Longanbaum, Longanbeere
He: לונגן
Id: Lengkeng
Jv: Klèngkèng
Km: មានព, មានព្រៃ, Mien Prey, មៀនប៉ៃលិន, មៀន
Kv: Лонган
Ko: 롱안
Ms: Mata kucing
Ml: ലോംഗൻ
Fa: چشالو
Pt: Longana, Olho-de-boi, Olho-de-dragão, Pitomba longana
Ru: Лонган
Es: Longán, Mamoncillo chino
Su: Léngkéng
Sv: Longan
Zh-tw: 龍眼
Ta: நுரை
Th: ลำไย
Bo: འབྲུག་མིག
Zh-hant: 龍眼
Ug: ئەجدىرھا كۆزى
Uk: Лонган
Vi: Nhãn
Za: Maknganx
Synonyms
- Euphoria longan ((Lour.) Steud.)
- Scytalia longan ((Lour.) Roxb.)
Distribution
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Laos (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nicobar Is. (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- New Guinea (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Nov 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Bejarano Garzón José Alfonso (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by cyl incville (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 18, 2021 by Sothis (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2021 by Mike keyy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Renaud REYNES (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Elizabeth Fazakerley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 22, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2021 by díaz irving (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2021 by díaz irving (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 16, 2019 by JP Sarret (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2019 by flora slande (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 13, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 30, 2018 by Chika Kameda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Pierre-Marie GINDRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:782795-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190008)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dimocarpus longan Lour.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree