Litchi chinensis (Lychee)
Botanical Information
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Litchi |
| Species | chinensis |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Tree (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to Southern China. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Produces a delicious fruit that can be eaten fresh, canned or juiced. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9b-11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c-H3 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -3.8 - 4.5 |
| Temperature (°F) | 25- 40 |
| Height | 6-10 m |
| Spread | 4-6 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | April, May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | This tree is native to southern China and is known as a lychee. The fruit is sweet and tart. The tree is a pollinator. |
| Shape | Dense, round canopy. |
| Propagation | Propagated by seed. Sown indoors to avoid frost. |
| Cultivation | Soils must be rich and well-drained. Requires full sun and protection from wind. |
| Notable Specimens | Pinewood Estates, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. |
| Habitat | Thrives in humid climates. |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are 5-7 cm long and leathery. The leaves are reddish when young and turn green as it matures. |
| Fruit Description | The dark pink/red fruit is 2.5 cm in diameter, oval/heart shaped. Once peeled, the fruit is translucent. The fruit is sweet and tart and is decribed as a floral taste and fragrance. |
Photographs
Litchi chinensis, form. Pinewood Estates, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
Litchi chinensis, bark. Pinewood Estates, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.