TopTropicals Plant Catalog

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Litchi chinensis, Nephelium litchi Family: Sapindaceae Lychee, Lichee Origin: China Slow growing, but reaching heights of 35'. It has attractive pinnate leaves of a shining leather texture. The fruit, when ripe, has dark red-brown and rough skin, is 1 to 2 inch long and grows in bunches. Under the brittle skin, the flesh is pearly white, sweet and jelly-like, though firm. It is eaten fresh or sun-dried (Litchi Nuts) or canned in syrup. It is a good source of vitamin C and phosphorous. Propagated by airlayering or grafting. Best fruit in the world. You can't argue with three billion Asians. For bearing-age trees, cut off all water and fertilizer by October. Stress caused by winter's drought and cold is believed to induce heavier bloom. You've eaten these no doubt in Chinese restaurants, where they're served either within a dish (succulent and sweet) or dried (sweet and dry). Litchi has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. You can start your own from seed. To do this, you'll need fresh litchis; the dried ones won't grow. The smooth-skinned pit, dark brown-black in color, is pretty in itself without planting, but once planted it produces a lovely narrow-leaved plant. Litchi is difficult to get started, so sow several seeds, one to a pot, in an acid-rich soil. Plant them about 1/2 inch deep. Keep them shaded and water them well. If you don't see signs of growth in two to three weeks, try again with fresh seed. Keep litchis well watered and gradually expose them to bright light, hut never direct sun. More info... Link to this plant: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/litchi_chinensis.htm

Tree in 3 gal container

Fruiting in 1 gal container - air-layered plant