Matt's 9b field note
“Stays purple — and it fruited for the first time during the yard tour. One of the more unusual longans here. Cultivar unspecified.”
Background
Cultivar unconfirmed — Matt's tree is of unspecified cultivar. It is most likely a red-skinned 'Ruby'-type longan (Dimocarpus longan var. red, sold as Ruby/Ruby Red), a Southeast Asian selection whose fruit keeps a red-purple skin. This identification is inferred, not verified.
Distinguishing traits
Fruit skin stays purple-red rather than ripening to tan-brown. Ruby-type longans are reported to have slightly larger, thicker, sweeter flesh than brown-skinned longans. An unusual ornamental-fruit novelty in Matt's collection.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Low, roughly 100-200 hours (species baseline)
- Cold hardiness
- USDA zones 9-11; frost sensitive, protect below freezing.
- Heat tolerance
- Species handles extreme heat with water.
- Water
- Moderate; regular watering, avoid waterlogging.
- Soil
- Well-draining, fertile soil.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun.