Longon

Description

The longan tree is erect, spreading, evergreen tree grows up to a height of 30 or 40 ft. It is often called ‘dragon’s eye’ due to its pale white flesh with a central black seed, also as the “little brother of the lychee” or “slave of the lychee”. The longan is native to southern China. In India, it’s cultivated in Bengal, the forests of upper Assam and the Garo hills as an ornamental and shade tree.

Appearance – Pebbled skin

Fruit shape – Globose

Colour – yellow-brown to light reddish-brown

Flesh colour – whitish, translucent, somewhat musky

Flesh taste – Sweet

Uses – Sirup, Liqueur

Health benefits – As an antidote for poison, treatment for insomnia