Litchi chinensis, commonly known as the lychee tree, is an evergreen tree native to the subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, particularly southern China, where it thrives in the warm, humid climate. It typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet and a width of 15-25 feet. The lychee tree is known for its attractive foliage, with glossy, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its flowers and fruits. The flowers are borne on terminal inflorescences, with many panicles on the current season’s growth. These panicles can reach 10 to 40 cm in length and carry hundreds of small, fragrant flowers that are white, yellow, or green. The lychee fruit is highly valued for its sweet, aromatic flesh, which is encased in a rough, inedible skin that turns from green to red or pink-red upon ripening.

The lychee is celebrated for its delicious fruit, which is often used in desserts and is a popular flavor in various culinary dishes. In cultivation, the lychee tree is grown for its fruit production and ornamental qualities. It requires a tropical climate with high summer heat, ample rainfall, and high humidity. The tree performs best in full sun and needs well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool. While lychees are relatively low-maintenance once established, they are sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below −4 °C (25 °F). They may also be susceptible to pests such as aphids, mites, and fruit flies, as well as diseases like root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0