Pink Ping Pong Longan |Grafted Pink Ping Pong Longan

The Pink Ping Pong Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is a rare and exotic variety of the longan fruit, prized for its unique pink-hued fruit and exceptional taste. Here’s a detailed description of the plant:

General Information:

• Scientific Name: Dimocarpus longan
• Common Name: Pink Ping Pong Longan
• Family: Sapindaceae (same family as lychee and rambutan)
• Origin: Southeast Asia, particularly cultivated in Thailand and China

Tree Characteristics:

• Growth Habit: Medium-sized, evergreen tree with a dense, rounded canopy
• Height: Can reach 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) in cultivation, taller in the wild
• Leaves: Dark green, glossy, and pinnately compound with lance-shaped leaflets

Fruit Characteristics:

• Size: Similar to a ping pong ball, about 1.5 inches (3-4 cm) in diameter
• Color: Unique pinkish-red skin, unlike the typical light brown longan
• Texture: Thin, leathery, and slightly rough skin
• Flesh: Translucent white, juicy, and succulent
• Seed: Small, round, and glossy black, typical of longan fruits
• Taste: Sweet and aromatic, with a slight floral note, often described as a blend between lychee and traditional longan

Flowering & Fruiting:

• Blooming Season: Spring to early summer
• Fruit Season: Typically late summer to early fall
• Flowers: Small, pale yellow to greenish, growing in clusters with a mild fragrance
• Pollination: Mostly self-fertile, but pollination by insects (bees) can enhance fruit set

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions (USDA zones 9-11)
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and fruit production
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy-loam soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH
• Watering: Moderate; requires consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogging
• Fertilization: Benefits from balanced fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus for fruiting

Special Features:

• Rare and Exotic: One of the few longan varieties with a pink skin
• Ornamental Appeal: Beautiful foliage and striking fruit color make it a standout in gardens
• High-Yielding: Produces large clusters of fruit when mature
• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals, often used in traditional medicine