Litchi chinensis LYCHEE (5 seeds)

Lychee is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family. It is native to Asia and is now cultivated throughout the tropics, including southern Spain in recent years. It is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 10 to 15 meters, with a generally rounded silhouette.

Its foliage is evergreen, dense, and a deep, shiny green. The leaves are alternate and composed of two to four pairs of leathery, lance-shaped, and pointed leaflets. The flowering occurs in the form of large terminal panicles that can measure up to 30 centimeters long. The flowers are small, petal-less, and greenish-white to yellowish in color.

The fruit, called a lychee, is an ovoid drupe about 3 to 5 centimeters long. It is covered with a thin but rough rind, made of small protruding scales, which turns from green to pink or bright red at maturity. Inside, the pulp is translucent white, juicy, very sweet, and fragrant, offering a texture similar to that of a grape.

Lychee seeds from Litchi chinensis are oblong and shiny brown. They are large, measuring 2 centimeters in length, and are not edible.

- Interests:

Both ornamental and productive, this majestic tree offers clusters of delicious fruit. It is a plant of choice for lovers of exotic fruits. These fruits, with their rough shell and sweet pearly heart, are the emblematic fruit of Asia.

Its juicy flesh with its unparalleled flavor contains interesting nutritional properties (vitamins, etc.). The fruits are eaten fresh, plain, in desserts, pastries, syrups, drinks, and more. An exceptional exotic fruit, the lychee is a majestic tree with evergreen foliage. This tree with highly appreciated fruits is ideal for any tropical garden or bright veranda.

In the spring, it produces small white-green flowers, and its foliage also provides pleasant shade. It highlights and decorates a terrace as it can be grown in large containers. This ornamental tree will be appreciated by collectors of rare plants.

In traditional medicine, the bark and seeds are sometimes used for their tonic and astringent properties.
Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow lychee seeds is from the beginning of June until the end of July when temperatures are sufficiently warm.
• Begin by nicking the seeds with a knife, taking care not to damage the cotyledons.
• Soak them in warm water for 6 to 12 hours.
• Prepare 10 cm pots with previously moistened peat.
• Bury them 1 cm deep with the flat part facing down, then water the culture gently.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse at a temperature above 30°C. Germination will begin 2 to 3 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

The lychee prefers deep, organic-rich, and slightly acidic soils. It particularly dreads calcareous (chalky) soils which cause yellowing of the foliage. The substrate must be perfectly draining to avoid water stagnation, while still being able to retain moisture.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This tree needs full sun exposure to fruit properly. Intense light is essential for its growth. However, young specimens must be protected from scorching sunlight during their first years. Indoors, it should be placed behind a well-exposed window, preferably south-facing.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

The lychee is a tropical tree with very limited hardiness. While it can tolerate brief temperature drops near 0°C once adult, young plants perish at the first frost. To flower, the tree needs a cool rest period (between 5°C and 12°C) in winter.

- Watering / Water Needs:

Water requirements are high, especially during the growth and fruiting periods. The soil must remain moist but never waterlogged. In summer, regular watering is necessary. In winter, watering should be spaced out, allowing the substrate to dry slightly on the surface.

- Multiplication:

Multiplication can be done either by seed or by air layering, which allows for a tree identical to the mother plant that is capable of fruiting after only 3 to 5 years.

- Pests / Diseases:

The lychee can be attacked by scale insects, aphids, and mites, particularly in dry environments. Regarding diseases, it is sensitive to root rot in cases of excess water.