Lychee (Litchi chinensis) tropical live fruit tree 12″-24″

The lychee tree typically grows to a height of 30 to 40 feet, with a dense, rounded canopy of glossy, dark green leaves that are pinnate and leathery in texture. The tree produces small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in clusters during the spring. These flowers eventually develop into clusters of fruit that ripen in the late spring to early summer.

The lychee fruit is small, usually about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and is round to oval in shape. It has a rough, bumpy skin that turns from green to red or pink when ripe. The skin is easily peeled away to reveal the translucent, white, juicy flesh inside. The flesh is sweet and fragrant, with a floral and mildly acidic flavor, often compared to a combination of grapes, rosewater, and pear. The fruit contains a single large, shiny brown seed, which is not eaten.

Lychee is most commonly eaten fresh, as its juicy texture and sweet flavor make it a refreshing and popular snack. The fruit can also be used in a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, beverages, salads, and sauces. Lychees are often canned, dried, or used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. Dried lychees resemble raisins and are often used in Asian cuisine.

Lychee trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with warm temperatures and humid conditions. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun exposure. While the tree is relatively drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is essential during dry periods, especially when the tree is flowering and fruiting. Lychee trees are usually propagated by air-layering, grafting, or cuttings, as seed-grown trees can take several years to bear fruit and may not produce fruit true to the parent variety.

The tree can take several years to reach maturity and begin producing fruit, typically around 4 to 6 years for grafted trees, and longer for trees grown from seed. However, once established, lychee trees can produce abundant harvests of fruit, with peak production occurring between 10 to 20 years of age.

An interesting fact about lychee is that it has a long history of cultivation, dating back over 2,000 years in China. It was considered a delicacy of the Chinese imperial courts, and its cultivation spread throughout Asia over the centuries. Today, lychee remains a culturally significant fruit in many parts of Asia, where it is often associated with good fortune and celebration.

In addition to being grown in orchards, lychee trees are also popular in home gardens, where their ornamental beauty and delicious fruit make them a prized addition. They can even be grown in large containers in regions with cooler climates, as long as they receive enough sunlight and are protected from frost.

In conclusion, the lychee tree is a beautiful and productive tropical fruit tree that offers sweet, fragrant fruit and ornamental value. Its adaptability to warm climates and relatively easy cultivation make it a valuable addition to both home gardens and commercial orchards. The delicious and versatile lychee fruit can be enjoyed fresh or used in a wide range of culinary applications, making it a favorite among fruit lovers around the world.