Lychee
Litchi chinensis
- Native to:
- Borneo, China, Hainan, Jawa, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
B.navez
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Sapindaceae
- Genus:
- Litchi
- Species:
- Litchi chinensis
- USDA Symbol:
- LICH4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
- Bloom Colors:
- white, green, yellow
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Erechthias minuscula, fruit-tree leafroller moth (Proteoteras implicata), Io moth (Automeris io), Omnivorous Leafroller (Platynota stultana), Saddled Prominent (Heterocampa guttivitta), Synchlora gerularia
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers deep, fertile soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds are recalcitrant and must be planted fresh within days of extraction; they lose viability rapidly when dried.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.