Longan (Chompoo) - Advanced 80-100cm

The ‘Chompoo’ (also spelled 'Chomphu') variety of longan is one of the most popular and high-quality cultivars in Thailand. Here's a detailed description of both the tree and its fruit:

🌳 Tree Description (Chompoo Longan)

Growth Habit: Medium to large, upright, and spreading tree with a rounded canopy.

Height: Typically reaches 6–12 meters (20–40 feet) in cultivation.

Foliage: Dark green, compound leaves with 4–10 leaflets. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and evergreen.

Climate Suitability: Grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with a distinct dry season to encourage flowering. Sensitive to frost.

Soil Preference: Well-drained soils, ideally sandy loam or clay loam with good fertility.

🍈 Fruit Description (Chompoo Longan)

Shape: Round to slightly oval.

Size: Medium to large compared to other longan varieties.

Skin: Thin, light brown to tan in color. Easy to peel when ripe.

Flesh: Translucent white or light pinkish-white. Very juicy and crisp texture.

Notable for its light pink hue, especially in fresh, well-grown fruit — hence the name 'Chompoo', meaning "pink" in Thai.

Taste: Exceptionally sweet with a mild floral aroma. Low acidity; often described as honey-like.

Seed: Small and shiny black (as typical of longans). In well-developed fruit, the flesh-to-seed ratio is high (i.e., more edible flesh).

🌼 Flowering and Fruiting

Blooming Season: Typically blooms in late winter to early spring, depending on the region.

Harvest Time: 4–6 months after flowering. In Thailand, harvesting usually occurs around July to September.

Productivity: High-yielding variety under proper care.

Pollination: Self-fertile, but cross-pollination may improve fruit set.

🍽️ Uses

Commonly eaten fresh due to its excellent taste and texture. Used in desserts, drinks, and traditional Thai snacks. Also dried or canned for preservation.