Origin, growth environment and varieties of longan

Since ancient times, Li Shizhen recommended longan as the best tonic, and people still like to eat longan today.

Longan

Longan, also known as longan, is one of the rare fruits in the subtropical region and an important tonic. It is named because its seeds are round and black, and its navel is white, which looks like the eyes of the legendary "dragon". Fresh longan is very tender, juicy, sweet, and delicious, which is beyond the reach of other fruits. Fresh longan is dried into dried fruit and becomes longan in traditional Chinese medicine.

Longan was cultivated before the Han Dynasty. It is said that Zhao Tuo, the King of Nanyue, once offered longan as tribute to Emperor Gaozu of Han. The Shennong's Herbal Classic states that "longan can strengthen the mind and intelligence, and keep the body light and young". The Southern Plants and Trees states that "Emperor Wen of Wei summoned his ministers and said: The true fruits of the south are longan and lychee", and gave a detailed description of their growth and shape. Regarding their health benefits, Li Shizhen said that "lychee is the best food, and longan is the best for nourishing."

Origin

Longan is native to southern and southwestern my country. Today, longan in my country is mainly distributed in Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian and Taiwan. In addition, Hainan, Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces also have small-scale cultivation. Other countries and regions in the world that grow longan include Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Queensland in Australia, Hawaii and Florida in the United States, etc.

Longan growth environment

Longan grows mostly in semi-evergreen seasonal rain forests in low mountains, hills and terraces. The annual average temperature in the distribution area is 24-26℃, and the annual precipitation is 900-1700 mm. Longan likes dry and hot environment and light. Seedlings cannot tolerate excessive shade, and mature trees need full sunlight. Longan is a deep-rooted tree species that can take root and grow in arid and barren soil.