Seed Availability

Seeds have limited viability and cannot be dried or stored for very long. We usually have fresh seeds available on and off from May-September. A link to a store order page will appear here if seeds are available.

Seed Availability

Seeds have limited viability and cannot be dried or stored for very long. We usually have fresh seeds available on and off from May-September. A link to a store order page will appear here if seeds are available.

Description

Medium to large sized tree, often 20-40ft, but up to 100ft. Lychee flowers are borne on long inflorescenses and are either male, hermaphrodite-fruiting male (which have the best pollen), or hermaphrodite-fruiting female. All three types of flowers occur in sequence, though not necessarily in that order, in a lychee inflorescence.

Hardiness

Mature trees will withstand light frosts, but temperatures below 32F for prolonged periods of time may begin to damage or kill the tree.

Growing Environment

The lychee grows best in a partially subtropical climate, where temperatures are cool (32-45F) and dry for a few months during winter. The cold requirement does not seem particularly strict as long as there is some seasonal variability in temperatures. In ultra-tropical climates, the lychee may not fruit at all. Heavy rain, fog, as well as heavy winds are detrimental during flowering and fruiting periods.

Propagation

Can be grown from seed, although they will not come true to variety. May take 5-15 years to bear from seed. Better varieties are generally air-layered.

Uses

Eaten fresh, processed into ice creams, candies, and for desserts. Dried lychee's are also eaten.

Native Range

Native to lowland areas in the provinces of Kwangtung and Fukien, in Southern China. The lychee is now cultivated in many parts of Asia, Australia, and the America's. There are commercial plantations in Florida, Hawaii, and to a limited extent, portions of Southern California. Air layers can fruit in 2-5 years.

Additional Pictures

Related Species

Sapindaceae
	Blighia sapida Akee		Dimocarpus didyma Alupag
	Dimocarpus longana Longan		Litchi chinensis Lychee
	Melicoccus bijugatus Mamoncillo		Nephelium echinulatum Nephelium echinulatum
	Nephelium lappaceum Rambutan		Nephelium maingayi Nude Rambutan
	Nephelium mutabile Pulasan		Nephelium uncinatum Hooked Rambutan
	Nephelium xerospermoides Hairless Rambutan		Paullinia cupana Guarana
	Saponaria detergens Soap Nut		Talisia esculenta Belizian Genip