| Etymology | Genus | From Greek, dis (two) and karpos (fruit), possibly referring to the two-lobed pistil |
|---|---|---|
| Species | After the Mandarin common name of the fruit, Dragon's Eye | |
| Family | Sapindaceae | |
| Synonyms | - | |
| Common Names | Longan, Dragon's Eye | |
| Status | Exotic: Cultivated Only | |
| Form | Shrub | |
| Native Distribution | China | |
Diagnostics:
Dimocarpus longan ssp. (subspecies) longan is a shrub easily recognisable by its foliage. The leaflets are frequently curved inwards and the lower surface is smooth because of fine hairs.Another subspecies Dimocarpus longan ssp. malesianus is a tree with large leaves, quite commonly found in abandoned plantations turned forests now.
Interesting Facts:
This Longan subspecies is the one commonly cultivated by residents in Singapore for their edible fruits.
The form of the Longan. Note the distinct foliage characterised by their rolled leaves.
A pinnate leaf, where each leaflet is strongly curved.
The inflorescence.
Leaflet front and back (where it is hairy).
Fruits.
References
-Author: Siyang
Posted: 2017-06-03 / Modified: 2017-12-25