Matt's 9b field note
“Another longan in the border — 'this is called a fortune eye.' Being evaluated alongside the other five longans.”
Background
Published background on 'Fortune Eye' is thin. It is sold in the US nursery trade (notably Top Tropicals) as an air-layered selection. A European seed/fruit vendor describes it as a variant with a small pit, crunchy firm sweet flesh, regular fruiting, and better wind resistance than typical longans.
Distinguishing traits
Small seed means a higher flesh-to-seed ratio. Flesh described as crunchy and firm rather than soft-juicy, with sweet flavor. Reported to fruit more regularly than many longan variants and to have stiffer, more wind-resistant foliage.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Low, roughly 100-200 hours (species baseline)
- Cold hardiness
- USDA zones 9-11; frost sensitive, protect from freezing.
- Heat tolerance
- Species handles extreme heat with water; under evaluation in Phoenix.
- Water
- Moderate; allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Soil
- Well-draining soil.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun.
Where to buy
- Top Tropicals