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Image
of
Litchi chinensis
or Lychee |
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Litchi chinensis
(Lychee) |
Origin: Native to southern China
Family: Sapindaceae (Soa[berry)
Light: Full sun with afternoon shade
Height: >40'
Spacing: 15-20'
Blooms: Fragrant, separate male and female flowers on terminally
long panacles, inconspicuous, mid-Spring
Foliage:
Evergreen, shiny, smooth, ovate
Fruits: Red, ovaloid, mottled with brittle peel; pulp is
translucent and very sweet, remove peel before eating; eaten fresh when ripe
Soil: Well-drained, rich compost, acidic, keep moist
Water: Regular, high in Summer
Seeds: Glossy, black, oval
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings, air layering, grafting
Uses: Specimen, landscaping
Comments: Litchi chinensis
or Lychee is an evergreen sub-tropical perennial fruit tree. In
mid-Spring long panacles of terminal fragrant blossoms appear with
separate male and female flower. Litchi chinensis can be
propagated from seeds, air layering or grafting. Seed propagation
may not come true to variety and usually takes 5 to 15 years before
fruiting while the more popular method, air layering only takes 2 to 5
years.
Sun-loving
Lychee
performs well in rich moist
soil and enjoys afternnon shade. Plant under a deciduous tree for
extra sun in Winter. Deep watering will encourage roots to grow
deeper. Litchi chinensis fruits
are best eaten fresh; they are very sweet and juicy; after eating the
first one you will want to eat them all that's how good they are.
Extra fruits can be dried for future use used in desserts, processed in
ice creams and candles. Lychee seeds are used in traditional
medicine. Mulch well to protect young trees from frost and strong wind.
Canned Lychee can be bought in Oriental grocery stores.
USDA Zones: 9-11 |
