Litchi
Family Sapindaceae
Litchi chinensis (= Nephelium litchi), litchi (L. chinensis 1), is a small evergreen tree, up to 10 m high, with a dense top and pinnate leaves, dark green above and grey-green beneath. The small yellowish-green flowers are borne in long terminal panicles. The globose fruits, about 3 cm across, are covered with tubercles, usually pink when ripe (L. chinensis 2), and contain a single dark brown or black seed, covered with a white and fleshy edible aril (L. chinensis 3).
Distribution and use
The litchi is a native of southern China and is widely introduced into the tropics (L. chinensis 4). The sweet-acid aril is eaten fresh and canned in syrup, used in pastries, salads and as a dessert. The juice is sometimes used for making wine.