Matt's 9b field note
“Prized for crisp flesh and small seeds. From Lara Farms — in the ground and being evaluated for desert performance.”
Background
Published background on 'Diamond River' is thin — it is sold in the US trade as a collector's variety, and no authoritative origin or breeding history could be verified. Treating it as a named selection of uncertain provenance.
Distinguishing traits
Prized for crisp flesh and notably small seeds (Matt's observation). Nursery descriptions note extremely sweet fruit around 1.25 inches in diameter, borne in large clusters. Marketed as a collector's variety.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Low, roughly 100-200 hours (species baseline; cultivar-specific data not published)
- Cold hardiness
- Frost sensitive like other longans; protect below freezing.
- Heat tolerance
- Under evaluation in Matt's yard; species handles extreme heat with adequate water.
- Water
- Regular watering in the growing season; avoid waterlogging.
- Soil
- Well-draining, pH 6.0-7.0.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun, 6-8 hours minimum.
Where to buy
- Plantogram
- Lara Farms