The longan fruit (Dimocarpus longan) grows on an evergreen tree that is about 10 meters high and belongs to the soap tree family. The lychee and rambutan trees also belong to the same genus .
 The longan is slightly smaller than the lychee and has a softer skin of a matt brown color. Both fruits are similar in taste. The longan ripens around the time the litchi season ends, which makes it interesting for fruit growers.
 However, the fruit is not primarily valued for its culinary qualities. Rather, especially in the Near and Middle East, their properties as traditional remedies play a major role.