Lychee

Litchi chinensis

1. Identification and origin

The lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), belonging to the Sapindaceae family, is a tropical fruit tree native to southern China, Vietnam and neighbouring regions of Southeast Asia. It has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years and has great cultural and economic importance in its countries of origin. The species was subsequently spread to India, Thailand, South Africa, Australia and Latin America.

2. Economic importance

The lychee is valued for its aromatic, sweet fruit of high commercial value, consumed fresh, canned, dried or used in juices and pastry. The main world producers include China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and South Africa. In subtropical regions, the crop has been expanding due to the growing market interest in exotic fruits.

3. Botanical characterisation

An evergreen tree, of medium stature (8–15 m), with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are compound, paripinnate, with lanceolate, glossy leaflets. The inflorescences are terminal panicles, with small, greenish or yellowish flowers, without petals. The fruit is a drupe with a red, rough epicarp, translucent white pulp (aril) and a single seed. The root system is deep, adapted to well-drained soils.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers humid tropical and subtropical climates, with cool, dry winters that favour floral induction. Temperatures between 20–30 °C are ideal, although flowering requires periods of moderate cold. It needs deep, well-drained soils rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It is sensitive to strong winds, waterlogging and prolonged drought.

5. Main pests

• Fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis capitata): direct damage to the fruits.
• Scale insects (Coccoidea): sap sucking and honeydew production.
• Mites (Oligonychus spp., Tetranychus spp.): chlorosis and reduction of photosynthesis.
• Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis): leaf deformations and damage to panicles.
• Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): root galls and decline of vigour.

6. Main diseases

• Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides): leaf spots and rots in fruits.
• Post‑harvest rots (Alternaria spp., Botryosphaeria spp.): darkening and deterioration of the fruits.
• Downy mildew (Peronophythora litchii): a serious disease in humid regions, causing necrosis and fruit drop.
• Cankers and trunk rots (Phytophthora spp.): wilting and death of branches.
• Bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas spp.): irregular lesions and leaf drop.

7. General crop management

This includes the choice of cultivars adapted to the local climate, planting in deep and well-drained soils, regular watering without waterlogging, balanced fertilisation and protection against strong winds. Formative and cleaning pruning improves air circulation and reduces diseases. The monitoring of fruit fly and anthracnose is essential, especially during the fruiting stage. Harvesting should be carried out when the fruits reach a uniform red colouration.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database. Litchi chinensis – pests and diseases.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Litchi chinensis – datasheets.
• Menzel, C. M., et al. (1995). Lychee and Longan: Botany, Production and Uses. CAB International.
• Paull, R. E., & Duarte, O. (2011). Lychee. In: Tropical Fruits. CAB International.
• Huang, H. (2005). Litchi. In: Janick, J. (Ed.), Horticultural Reviews. Wiley.