Dimocarpus longan aka Klngkng

Dimocarpus longan is an evergreen fruit tree in the Sapindaceae family. Its common names include longan and dragon's eye. Its native range extends from the Indian subcontinent to southern China. It also reaches northwestern Peninsular Malaysia. Wild trees grow in humid woods, often beneath taller trees. Growers raise longan across warm regions for its sweet fruit. It is an important fruit crop in Southeast Asia.

Garden trees often reach 30–40 feet (9.1–12.2 metres) tall. Their crowns can reach 45 feet (13.7 metres) wide. Some sources give heights up to 46 feet (14 metres). In suitable climates, trees can exceed 100 feet (31 metres). Longan grows fast and forms a dense, branching crown. The crown may be round or oval, with corky bark. Its dark green leaves are shiny, leathery, and pinnate. Each leaf has paired leaflets with wavy edges.

Small flowers grow in branched panicles at the shoot tips. Their colour ranges from pale yellow or white to greenish yellow. Trees bear male flowers and flowers with both sexual parts. In southern Florida, bloom runs from February into early May. The round or oval fruits have thin, brown skins. Each holds sweet, translucent white flesh around one shiny, dark seed. Fruit takes about 140–190 days to ripen after flowering. Florida growers harvest the main crop from June through August.

Longan grows best with warm summers and cool, dry winters. It needs a cool spell to flower well. Warm, wet winters can reduce bloom and fruit yield. Grow it in sun or part shade with fertile soil. Acidic sandy loam that drains well suits it best. Sources differ on its tolerance of dry soil. Regular water from flowering through harvest supports good fruit crops. Flooded soil can harm or kill young trees. It suits USDA zones 10–12 and tolerates some light frost. Temperatures below 26°F can kill it.

Gardeners grow longan for fruit, shade, and its evergreen crown. Eat the flesh fresh, cooked, dried, or preserved in syrup. Traditional medicine also uses the fruit, leaves, flowers, and seeds. These recorded uses do not establish that treatments work. Seeds can serve as a hair wash due to their saponins. The wood serves for furniture, posts, and other goods. One garden source reports no major pest or disease problems. Strong winds can damage young leaves, and fruit yields can vary. The plant databases list no known hazards.