Pometia pinnata f. glabra
[Fijian Longan, Island Lychee, Kasai]
photo
DSC05369 (14)
photo
DSC05380 (14)
photo
DSC05395 (14)
photo
DSC05376 (14)
photo
DSC05378 (14)
photo
DSC03956 (11)
photo
P6230347 (19)
photo
P6230358 (19)
photo
DSC05450 (14)
photo
DSC05452 (14)
photo
DSC05375 (14)
photo
DSC05383 (14)
photo
DSC05471 (14)
photo
DSC05473 (14)
photo
DSC03958 (11)
photo
DSC03959 (11)
photo
DSC03952 (11)
photo
DSC05384 (14)

Close-up view:

photo
P6230359 (19)

According to the Flora Singapura website (that no longer exist), there are 2 forms of this tree in Singapore, namely Pometia pinnata f. alnifolia and Pometia pinnata f. glabra. Based on inflorescence and leaf characteristics, the tree has at least 8 forms [1].

In October 2012, I obtained the fruits below from a local fruit stall. The fruits stall were labelled in Chinese as "Brazil Longan". Its shell was much thicker and harder than Longan (Dimocarpus longan subsp. longan). The flesh is slightly yellowish, firmer and less sweet compared to Longan. At the end of the search via the Internet, I ended up with its identity as the fruit of this tree. It is likely to be from another form of Pometia pinnata as the fruit from Pometia pinnata f. glabra (above) is more elongated.

photo
DSC01330 (12)
photo
DSC01332 (12)
photo
DSC01334 (12)
photo
DSC01338 (12)

Reference:

Jacobs, M. 1962. Pometia (Sapindaceae), a study in variability. Reinwardtia 6: 109-144.


| Next |