Latin name: Dimocarpus longan (Hawaiian selection)

We've been experimenting with longan for years, trying different varieties and selections to find what works best in NZ's climate with the first trials in 1983 (air layers from Florida). Back then success was limited until better varieties emerged and with better temperatures and experience, Longans are a very doable thing for NZ gardeners.

This Hawaiian selection is shaping up to be a good performer, doing much better over winter than previous varieties we've tried.

Beautiful Year-Round: The tree is absolutely stunning with glossy compound leaves and gorgeous coppery-red new growth. When they flower, the tree is covered in creamy panicles with a sweetly fragrant aroma.

Flavour Experience

With lychees being much more a challenge to grow here, longans with their similar taste and texture become the more realistic option for you to grow. The fruit is smaller (about 2-3cm diameter) with a smooth tan-brown shell that's easy to peel. Inside is translucent, jelly-like white flesh surrounding a single glossy black seed (hence "dragon's eye"). The flavour is wonderfully sweet with a distinctive musky, aromatic quality – think sweet grapes meets lychee with a hint of honey and something uniquely its own. The flesh is juicy and refreshing with a pleasantly chewy-soft texture.

Health Benefits

Longan is rich in vitamin C and significant amounts of iron, making it valuable for preventing anaemia and boosting energy. It's high in B vitamins supporting metabolism and nervous system health. Packed with antioxidants including gallic acid and ellagic acid with anti-aging properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, longan nourishes the blood and calms the spirit – often used to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Fruiting in New Zealand

In NZ, longan typically fruits once per year from late summer through autumn (February-April). The fruits develop in large hanging clusters, ripening over a 2-3 week period. The fruit should be left on the tree until fully ripe (shell turns tan-brown) and is best harvested in whole clusters. Very doable for northern NZ gardeners.

Growing Notes from Ben

More forgiving than lychee: Longan is genuinely more cold-hardy (mature trees can handle brief dips to -3°C), less fussy about flowering triggers, and more adaptable to NZ's cooler summers. While lychees need very specific temperature patterns, longan is more forgiving.

Stunning ornamental: The trees grow as beautiful compact specimens with naturally attractive shape. New growth is bright copper-red that gradually matures to deep glossy green. The creamy flower panicles are sweetly fragrant.

Better storage: One fantastic thing about longan – the fruit stores much better than lychee! Fresh longan will keep 1-2 weeks in the fridge, and they can even be dried (sold as "longan nuts" in Asian groceries – wonderful, like sweet raisins).

NZ climate benefit: Longan requires some winter chill to trigger flowering, so it actually benefits from NZ's cooler winters – this is partly why our climate suits them! Longans grow happily outdoors with some wind protection. In cooler areas, they'd benefit from a warm microclimate.