Matt's 9b field note
“Bought earlier this year from Shamus O'Leary — arrived on death's door and is now putting on new growth, but still weak. Winter protection planned.”
Background
'Sri Chompoo' (Si Chomphu) is one of Thailand's principal longan cultivars, documented alongside Daw, Biew Kiew, and Haeo in Thai pomology literature (Chomchalow & MacBaine, 2003). It is described as having a medium fruiting habit with medium-easy flowering but irregular fruit set.
Distinguishing traits
The signature trait is the pinkish, soft, crisp aril with a mild aroma — the 'pink longan.' Fruit is rather round with reddish-brown skin. Flesh is medium-thick, sweet, and nearly translucent with the pink tint most visible at full maturity.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Low, roughly 100-200 hours
- Cold hardiness
- Frost sensitive; protect below freezing. Matt plans winter protection for his recovering tree.
- Heat tolerance
- Good, but less proven in Phoenix than Kohala — Matt is still evaluating it. Consistent moisture and mulch are important.
- Water
- Moderate to high; do not let a recovering young tree dry out in summer.
- Soil
- Well-draining sandy loam, pH 5.5-7.0.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun; afternoon shade helps young or stressed trees.
Where to buy
- Sow Exotic