Lychee (Litchi chinensis)

Family: Sapindaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Litchi chinensis or known in various common names such as litchi, lychee, liechee, liche, lizhi, or lichee is the only known species in the Litchi genus in the Sapindaceae family. It is a slow-growing, evergreen fruit tree with a dense and wide crown and can grow up to 28 m in height. It has a short bole with grey-black bark. The leaves are 10-25cm or longer, shiny, leathery, and light green but reddish when young.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, juicy and subacid, with a delicious flavour that is somewhat reminiscent of Muscat grapes. — 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.; Much eaten raw, they can also be dried, spiced, pickled, canned in syrup, used in jams, sauces, ice creams, fruit salads etc.; The dried fruits, called lychee nuts, have a distinctive smoky flavour and are widely eaten in China.

Habitat & North American Range

The tree has been in cultivation for so long that wild forms are no longer believed to exist. (Zone 10)