Dimocarpus Longan
Dimocarpus longan, commonly known as the longan, is a tropical tree species that produces edible fruit. It is one of the better-known tropical members of the soapberry family Sapindaceae, to which the lychee, rambutan, guarana, korlan, pitomba, guinet and ackee also belong.
The longan ('dragon eye'), is so named because it resembles an eyeball when its fruit is shelled.
Depending upon climate and soil type the tree may grow to over 30 m in height, but it typically stands 9–12 m in height and the crown is round. The trunk 0.8 m thick with corky bark. The branches are long and thick, typically drooping.
The leaves are oblong and blunt-tipped, usually 10–20 cm long and 5 cm wide. The leaves are pinnately compounded and alternate.
The Longan tree produces light-yellow inflorescences at the end of branches. The small flawers have 5 to 6 sepals and petals that are brownish-yellow.
The fruit hangs in drooping clusters that are circular and about 2.5 cm wide. The peel is tan, thin, and leathery with tiny hairs. The flesh is translucent, and the seed is large and black with a circular white spot at the base. This gives the illusion of an eye. The flesh has a musky, sweet taste, which can be compared to the flavor of lychee fruit.