Longan

Value for beekeeping

Longan is a fruit tree from southern China and South-East Asia, a close relative of lychee. Its small, yellowish-brown flowers open in large panicles and give plenty of nectar. In northern Thailand, Taiwan and southern China it is one of the most important honey sources; in these regions beekeepers move their hives into longan orchards for the flowering period.

Flowering

It usually flowers from late February to April, a little later than lychee. As in lychee, male and functionally female flowers open in waves.

Honey and pollen

Longan honey is dark amber, rich, with a caramel-like and fruity aroma; it is sold separately in Asian markets.

Note for the beekeeper

In Thailand flowering can also be shifted out of season with chemical inducers, so flowering longan orchards can be found at different times of the year. Be careful about orchard spraying. It is not grown in Turkey; this is an entry for information.