Lychee, Litchi

Litchi chinensis

Physical Characteristics

Litchi chinensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Flies, Ants, Wasps. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - southern China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. The white, translucent fleshy arils are sweet, juicy and subacid, with a delicious flavour that is somewhat reminiscent of Muscat grapes[301 , 303 ]. Much eaten raw, they can also be dried, spiced, pickled, canned in syrup, used in jams, sauces, ice creams, fruit salads etc[301 ]. The dried fruits, called lychee nuts, have a distinctive smoky flavour and are widely eaten in China[301 ]. Rich in vitamin C[200 ]. The pink to strawberry red fruit is 25mm or more in diameter and is covered by a rough leathery rind or pericarp[303 ]. The fruits are borne in loose clusters of 3 - 20[418 ]. The smooth fruits of lowland-grown 'water lychee' are commonly preferred to the rather prickly fruits of 'mountain lychee' grown in the hills[317 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Mouthwash Vitamin C The fruit, its peel and the seed are used in traditional medicine; decoctions of the root, bark and flowers are used as a gargle to alleviate throat ailments[303 , 317 ]. The fruit peel is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[307 ]. Seeds are used as an anodyne in neuralgic disorders and orchitis[303 ].

Known Hazards

None known