Litchi chinensis
Lychee
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Lychee (Litchi chinensis) - Description
The lychee (Litchi chinensis) (Chinese: 荔枝; pinyin: lì zhī) is the sole member of the genus Litchi in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. It is a tropical and subtropical fruit tree native to southern China, Taiwan, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia, and now cultivated in many parts of the world. The fresh fruit has a "delicate, whitish pulp" with a floral smell and a fragrant, sweet flavor.
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) - Blooming
Blooms small, petalless flowers in spring. The flowers are usually yellowish-green in color and are borne in terminal clusters. Followed by oval or heart-shaped fruit. The edible portion of the fruit is white, translucent, and firm. Lychees flower and fruit best in areas with warm, humid summers. Some winter chilling is also required for good flower bud development, usually around 100-200 hours between 32-45F.
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) - Growth
Slow growing, round-topped tree, found in warm, frost-free places with seasonal temperature fluctuations. They require warm, humid summers to flower and fruit, and slightly chilled winters to develop flower buds. Litchis grow best in full sun with protection from frost, heat, and strong winds. Especially protect young plants from frost, by for example building a frame covered with bedding or plastic sheeting. Grow lychees for their flowers and fruit.
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) - Planting
Propagate Litchi through air-layering methods. Air-layering is a propagation method where a cut is made on an aerial stem and covered with moist sphagnum moss and sealed into a plastic sleeve. This process induces rooting. Lychees can also be propagated from the seed, although seedlings tend to stunt at 7-8" for about 2 years before growing any further. Protect young seedlings from the frost.
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) - Pest
Litchi is prone to miltes, aphids, and scale insects. Birds can also be a problem, as they are attracted to the fruit and will eat both the immature and mature fruit. To decrease chances of damage, it is best to cover the plants with protective netting.
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) - Interesting facts
Litchi is endemic to parts of southern China known as the Kwangtung and Fukien provinces. The plant has been spread to other parts of Asia, as well as to Hawaii, Florida, and California. In California, the lychee plant was first cultivated in Santa Barbara in 1914.
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) - Soil and irrigation
Grows best in slightly acidic soil that is well-drained and supplemented with organic matter. Litchis cannot withstand standing water. However, they need moist soil to grow best. Water liberally during the growing season, less in winter.
