Kath lichu - Euphoria longan

Common Name :	Kath lichu, Dragon's eye
Binomial Name :	Euphoria longan
Family :	Sapindaceae
Bangla Name :	Kath lichu (কাঠ লিচু)
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Out today's plant is native to the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is well adapted to the tropical and subtropical climates of these regions. It can be found in other parts of the world, as they have been introduced and naturalized in various countries due to their ornamental value. Botanical. name of the plant is Euphorbia longan. This plant belongs to the plant family Sapindaceae.

This is a small tree and can grow up to 6 meters or more in height, and its trunk becomes more prominent as it matures. The tree has a branching structure with thick, fleshy stems that give it a tree-like appearance. The leaves of Euphorbia longan are indeed small, narrow, and elongated, typically measuring about 2 to 4 centimeters in length. They are arranged spirally along the branches, providing an attractive foliage display. The leaves are usually a vibrant green color and may have a glossy texture.


This plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are surrounded by colorful modified leaves called bracts. The true flowers are actually tiny and located within the bracts. The flower clusters are composed of multiple small flowers surrounded by several overlapping bracts, giving the appearance of a single flower. The bracts are often arranged in an umbrella-like shape, forming a canopy over the flower cluster. The true flowers are usually yellowish or greenish in color and are not as prominent as the bracts.


The fruit of Euphorbia longan resembles the name "Kath Lichu" and shares similarities with the lychee fruit. It is small and round, similar in size to a cherry or grape. The fruit has a thin, rough skin that is usually reddish-brown in color when ripe. Inside, it contains translucent, juicy flesh that is sweet and flavorful. The flavor of the fruit is often described as reminiscent of lychee or grape.


Photos of these Kath lichu (Euphoria longan) were taken from Bangladesh. It was during the month of June 2013.


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com