Litchi chinensis aka Lychee

Litchi chinensis, or lychee, is a fruit tree that stays green. It belongs to the soapberry family, called Sapindaceae. It grows wild from southern China to Southeast Asia. Kew lists Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and the Philippines within this range. People have grown lychee for more than 2,000 years. Growers now raise it in tropical and subtropical regions.

The tree has a dense, round crown and spreading branches. Reports give garden heights of 20–50 feet [6.1–15.2 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden gives 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres] after 25–30 years. Florida sources give a final spread of 30–50 feet [9.1–15.2 metres]. Trees can reach 110 feet [33.5 metres] where they grow wild. Sources describe growth as slow to moderate. The trunk has smooth, gray bark, and branches may droop. Thin young twigs are green and have no thorns. Leaves are pinnate, with several leaflets along a central stalk. Each leaflet has a pointed tip and smooth edges. New leaves change from bronze-red to glossy green. Their lower sides have a gray-green tint.

Small flowers grow in large groups at branch tips. They range in color from greenish white to yellow. Missouri Botanical Garden gives April to May as bloom time. In Florida, most flowers bloom in February and March. Bees and flies pollinate the flowers. Fruits grow in loose groups after the flowers fade. They may be round, oval, or shaped like a heart. Each fruit has a rough rind that turns pink or red. White, juicy flesh wraps around one large, shiny brown seed. The flesh is edible and sweet, with a slightly tart taste. People eat it fresh, cooked, dried, or canned. The cited plant-use sources list no known hazards.

Grow lychee in full sun and rich soil that drains well. It grows best in acidic soil but accepts several soil types. Alkaline soil can cause a lack of iron. USDA zones 10–11 suit growth outdoors. Cool, dry winters with no frost help trees flower and fruit. Hot, humid summers help the fruit grow. Water young trees while they take root. Keep soil moist for fruit crops. Trees that have taken root can cope with some drought. Shield trees from strong winds, which can harm or topple them.

Lychee gives home gardens shade, a screen, and fruit. Its green crown and red fruit add interest to the garden. Prune it to form a strong set of branches. Fallen fruit and leaves can make litter. Most trees have few serious pest or disease problems. Scale insects, weevils, and webworms may attack the tree. Mushroom root rot can affect sites where oaks once grew.