Tropicals, Woody > Litchi > Litchi chinensis > Litchi chinensis
Litchi chinensis
Lychee
Origin: Native to Southern China.
| Family |
| Sapindaceae |
| Genus |
| Litchi |
| Species |
| chinensis |
| Category |
| Tropicals, Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (evergreen) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 9b-11 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H1c-H3 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -3.8 - 4.5 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 25- 40 |
| Height |
| 6-10 m |
| Spread |
| 4-6 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| 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. |
| Cultivation |
| Soils must be rich and well-drained. Requires full sun and protection from wind. |
| Shape |
| Dense, round canopy. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| 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. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Pinewood Estates, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. |
| Propagation |
| Propagated by seed. Sown indoors to avoid frost. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Produces a delicious fruit that can be eaten fresh, canned or juiced. |
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