# Lychee

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Lychee
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Lychee.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee
> Source revision: 1356056700
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Species of fruit tree

"Lichi" redirects here. For other uses, see [Lichi (disambiguation)](/source/Lichi_(disambiguation)).

Lychee Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Embryophytes Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Spermatophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Sapindales Family: Sapindaceae Tribe: Nephelieae Genus: Litchi Sonn. Species: L. chinensis Binomial name Litchi chinensis Sonn.[1] Synonyms[2] Corvinia litschi Stadtm. ex P.Willemet Euphoria didyma Blanco Euphoria punicea Lam. Litchi sinensis J.F.Gmel. Nephelium chinense (Sonn.) Druce Nephelium didymum Craib Scytalia chinensis Gaertn. Scytalia squamosa Stokes

Lychee Chinese 荔枝 Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Lìzhī Gwoyeu Romatzyh Lihjy Wade–Giles Li4-chih1 IPA [lî.ʈʂɻ̩́] Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization Laihjī Jyutping Lai6-zi1 IPA [lɐj˨.tsi˥] Southern Min Hokkien POJ Nāi/Lāi-chi Tâi-lô Nāi/Lāi-tsi

**Lychees**[a] ([/ˈlaɪtʃiː/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) [*LIE-chee*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key), [US](/source/American_English) also [/ˈliːtʃiː/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) [*LEE-chee*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key)) are the fruit of the tree ***Litchi chinensis***, the sole member of the genus ***Litchi***, part of the [soapberry](/source/Sapindus) family, [Sapindaceae](/source/Sapindaceae). They are edible, with a sweet, mildly tart flavor, and have a distinctive floral aroma often described as rose-like.

There are three distinct subspecies of lychee. The most common is the Indochinese lychee, found in [South China](/source/South_China), [Malaysia](/source/Malaysia), and northern [Vietnam](/source/Vietnam). The other two are the Philippine lychee (locally called *alupag* or *matamata*), found only in the [Philippines](/source/Philippines), and the Javanese lychee, cultivated in [Indonesia](/source/Indonesia) and [Malaysia](/source/Malaysia).[4][5] The tree has been introduced throughout Southeast Asia and [South Asia](/source/South_Asia).[5] Cultivation in China is documented from the 11th century.[4] China is the main producer of lychees, followed by [India](/source/India), Vietnam, other countries in Southeast Asia, other countries in [South Asia](/source/South_Asia), [Madagascar](/source/Madagascar), and [South Africa](/source/South_Africa). A tall [evergreen](/source/Evergreen) tree, it bears small fleshy sweet [fruits](/source/Drupe). The outside of the fruit is a pink-red, rough-textured soft shell.

Lychee seeds contain [methylene cyclopropyl glycine](/source/Methylene_cyclopropyl_acetic_acid), which has caused [hypoglycemia](/source/Hypoglycemia) associated with outbreaks of [encephalopathy](/source/Encephalopathy) in undernourished Indian and Vietnamese children who consumed lychee fruit.[6][7]

## Taxonomy

[Pierre Sonnerat](/source/Pierre_Sonnerat)'s drawing from *Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine* (1782)[8]

*Litchi chinensis* is the [sole member](/source/Monotypic_taxon) of the genus *Litchi* in the [soapberry](/source/Sapindus) family, [Sapindaceae](/source/Sapindaceae).[4]

It was described and named by French naturalist [Pierre Sonnerat](/source/Pierre_Sonnerat) in his account "*Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine, fait depuis 1774 jusqu'à 1781*" (translation: "Voyage to the East Indies and China, made between 1774 and 1781"), which was published in 1782.[8] There are three subspecies, determined by flower arrangement, twig thickness, fruit, and a number of [stamens](/source/Stamen).

- *Litchi chinensis* subsp. *chinensis* is the only commercialized lychee. It grows wild in [southern China](/source/South_China), northern [Vietnam](/source/Vietnam), and [Cambodia](/source/Cambodia). It has thin twigs, flowers typically have six stamens, fruit are smooth or with protuberances up to 2 mm (0.079 in).

- *Litchi chinensis* subsp. *philippinensis* (Radlk.) Leenh. It is common in the wild in the [Philippines](/source/Philippines) and rarely cultivated. Locally called *alupag*, *mata-mata*, or *matamata* due to its eye-like appearance when the fruit is opened, it has thin twigs, six to seven stamens, long oval fruit with spiky protuberances up to 3 mm (0.12 in).[9]

- *Litchi chinensis* subsp. *javensis*. It is only known in cultivation, in [Malaysia](/source/Malaysia) and [Indonesia](/source/Indonesia). It has thick twigs, flowers with seven to eleven stamens in sessile clusters, smooth fruit with protuberances up to 1 mm (0.039 in).[4][10]

## Description

### Tree

*Litchi chinensis* is an evergreen tree that is frequently less than 15 m (49 ft) tall, sometimes reaching 28 m (92 ft).[11] Its evergreen leaves, 12.5 to 20 cm (4.9 to 7.9 in) long, are pinnate, having 4 to 8 alternate, elliptic-oblong to lanceolate, abruptly pointed, leaflets,

The bark is grey-black, the branches a brownish-red. Its [evergreen](/source/Evergreen) leaves are 12.5 to 20 cm (4.9 to 7.9 in) long, with leaflets in two to four pairs.[4] Lychee are similar in foliage to the family [Lauraceae](/source/Lauraceae), likely due to [convergent evolution](/source/Convergent_evolution). They are adapted by developing leaves that repel water, and are called laurophyll or [lauroid](/source/Lauroid) leaves.

Flowers grow on a terminal [inflorescence](/source/Inflorescence) with many [panicles](/source/Panicle) on the current season's growth. The panicles grow in clusters of ten or more, reaching 10 to 40 cm (3.9 to 15.7 in) or longer, holding hundreds of small white, yellow, or green flowers that are distinctively fragrant.[10]

### Fruit

Whole and opened fruit with seed

The lychee tree bears fleshy [fruits](/source/Drupe) that mature in 80–112 days depending on climate, location, and cultivar. Fruits vary in shape from round to ovoid to heart-shaped, up to 5 cm long and 4 cm wide (2.0 in × 1.6 in), weighing approximately 20 g.[11][12]

The thin, tough skin is green when immature, ripening to red or pink-red, and is smooth or covered with small sharp protuberances roughly textured. The [rind](/source/Peel_(fruit)) is inedible but easily removed to expose a layer of translucent white flesh with a floral smell and a sweet flavor.[11] The skin turns brown and dry when left out after harvesting.

The fleshy, edible portion of the fruit is an [aril](/source/Aril), surrounding one dark brown inedible seed that is 1 to 3.3 cm long and 0.6 to 1.2 cm wide (0.39–1.30 by 0.24–0.47 in). Some cultivars produce a high percentage of fruits with shriveled aborted seeds known as 'chicken tongues'. These fruits typically have a higher price, due to having more edible flesh.[10] Since the floral flavor is lost in the process of canning, the fruit is usually eaten fresh.[11]

### Flavor and aroma

The edible aril of the lychee is juicy and translucent, with a sweet, mildly tart flavor and a distinctive floral aroma often described as rose-like.[13][14][15] Its sweetness is primarily due to sucrose, glucose, and fructose, while malic and citric acids provide acidity. Aroma-active compounds in the flesh include the monoterpenes linalool, geraniol, nerol, limonene, and cis-rose oxide, which contribute rose-like and citrus-like notes, as well as furaneol (sweet, caramel-like), methional (cooked-potato nuance), and sulfur volatiles such as dimethyl trisulfide.[16][17]

## History

"Lici Fruit Tree" in [Michał Boym](/source/Micha%C5%82_Boym)'s *[Flora Sinensis](/source/Flora_Sinensis)* (1657)

Cultivation of lychees began in the region of [southern China](/source/South_China), going back to 1059 AD, [Malaysia](/source/Malaysia), and northern [Vietnam](/source/Vietnam).[4] Unofficial records in [China](/source/China) refer to lychees as far back as 2000 BC.[18] Wild trees still grow in parts of southern China and on [Hainan Island](/source/Hainan_Island). The fruit was used as a delicacy in the Chinese Imperial Court.[19]

In the 1st century during the [Han dynasty](/source/Han_dynasty), fresh lychees were a popular [tribute](/source/Tribute) item, and in such demand at the Imperial Court that a special courier service with fast horses would bring the fresh fruit from Guangdong.[20] There was great demand for lychee in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), according to [Cai Xiang](/source/Cai_Xiang), in his *Li chi pu* (Treatise on Lychees). It was also the favorite fruit of [Emperor](/source/Emperor_of_China) [Li Longji (Xuanzong)](/source/Emperor_Xuanzong_of_Tang_China)'s favored concubine [Yang Yuhuan (Yang Guifei)](/source/Yang_Guifei). The emperor had the fruit delivered at great expense to the capital.[11]

The lychee attracted the attention of [European](/source/Ethnic_groups_in_Europe) travelers, such as the Spanish bishop, explorer, and sinologist [Juan González de Mendoza](/source/Juan_Gonz%C3%A1lez_de_Mendoza) in his *History of the great and mighty kingdom of China* (1585; English translation 1588), based on the reports of Spanish [friars](/source/Friar) who had visited China in the 1570s gave the fruit high praise:[21]

[T]hey haue a kinde of plummes, that they doo call *lechias*, that are of an exceeding gallant tast, and neuer hurteth any body, although they shoulde eate a great number of them.

Later the lychee was described and introduced to the West in 1656 by [Michał Boym](/source/Micha%C5%82_Boym), a Polish Jesuit missionary.[22]

Lychee trees were introduced to Jamaica by Chinese immigrants in the 18th century, where the fruit is associated with the [Chinese Jamaican](/source/Chinese_Jamaicans) community.[23] The fruit is featured in a popular Jamaican cake, called *lychee cake*, which is made of a light [sponge cake](/source/Sponge_cake), cream, and fruit, which has been one of the most popular cakes in Jamaica since its creation by baker Selena Wong in 1988.[23]

The lychee tree was introduced in the north-western parts of [Indian subcontinent](/source/Indian_subcontinent) in 1932 and remained an exotic plant until the 1960s, when commercial production began. The crop's production expanded from Begum Kot ([Lahore District](/source/Lahore_District)) in Punjab to [Hazara](/source/Hazara_Division), [Haripur](/source/Haripur_District), [Sialkot](/source/Sialkot) and [Mirpur Khas](/source/Mirpur_Khas_District).

### Double domestication

[Genomic studies](/source/Genomics) indicate that the lychee resulted from double domestication by independent cultivation in two different regions of ancient China.[24]

## Cultivation and uses

Germinating lychee seed with its main root (about 3 months old)

A normal-sized seed (left) and a small-sized (Chicken tongue) seed (right)

Lychees are extensively grown in southern China, [Taiwan](/source/Taiwan), [Vietnam](/source/Vietnam) and the rest of tropical [Southeast Asia](/source/Southeast_Asia), the [Indian subcontinent](/source/Indian_subcontinent),[25] and in [tropical](/source/Tropics) regions of many other countries.[4][25][26] They require a tropical climate that is frost-free and is not below the temperature of −4 °C (25 °F).[4][25] Lychees require a climate with high summer heat, rainfall, and humidity, growing optimally on well-drained, slightly acidic [soils](/source/Soil) rich in organic matter and mulch.[4][25]

Some 200 [cultivars](/source/Cultivar) exist, with early and late maturing forms suited to warmer and cooler climates, respectively.[4] In China, eight cultivars are mainly used for commerce.[25] Lychees are also grown as an [ornamental tree](/source/Ornamental_tree).[4] The most common propagation method for lychee is through air layering. Air-layers are made by cutting a branch of a mature tree, covering the cut with a rooting medium, such as [peat](/source/Peat) or [sphagnum moss](/source/Sphagnum), then wrapping the medium with [polyethylene](/source/Polyethylene) film and allowing the cut to root. Once significant rooting has occurred, the layer is cut from the branch and potted.[27]

According to [folklore](/source/Folklore), a lychee tree that is not producing much fruit can be [girdled](/source/Girdling), leading to more fruit production. When the central opening of trees is carried out as part of training and pruning, [stereo fruiting](/source/Stereo_fruiting) can be achieved for higher orchard productivity.[28]

Lychees are commonly sold fresh in Asian markets.[4][25] The red rind turns dark brown when the fruit is refrigerated, but the taste isn't affected. It is sold canned year-round. The fruit can be dried with the rind intact, at which point the flesh shrinks and darkens.[11]

### Cultivars

There are numerous lychee [cultivars](/source/Cultivar), with considerable confusion regarding their naming and identification. The same cultivar grown in different climates can produce very different fruit. Cultivars can also have different synonyms in various parts of the world. Southeast Asian countries, along with Australia, use the original Chinese names for the main cultivars. India grows more than a dozen different cultivars. South Africa grows mainly the "Mauritius" cultivar. Most cultivars grown in the United States were imported from China, except for the "Groff", which was developed in the state of Hawaii.[12]

Different cultivars of lychee are popular in various growing regions and countries. In China, popular cultivars include [Kwai Mai](/source/Kwai_Mai_(lychee)), Sanyuehong, Baitangying, Baila, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Shuidong, Feizixiao, Dazou, Heiye, Nuomici, Guiwei, Huaizhi, Lanzhu, and Chenzi. In Vietnam, the most popular cultivar is Vai Thieu Hai Duong. In the US, production is based on several cultivars, including Mauritius, Brewster, and Hak Ip.[10][29] India grows more than a dozen named cultivars, including Shahi (Highest Pulp %), Dehradun, Early Large Red, Kalkattia and Rose Scented.[12][30]

The Mauritius cultivar

### Nutrients

Lychees, raw, 100 g Peeled lychee fruits Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) Energy 276 kJ (66 kcal) Carbohydrates 16.53 g Sugars 15.23 g Dietary fiber 1.3 g Fat 0.44 g Protein 0.83 g Vitamins and minerals Vitamins Quantity %DV† Thiamine (B1) 1% 0.011 mg Riboflavin (B2) 5% 0.065 mg Niacin (B3) 4% 0.603 mg Vitamin B6 6% 0.1 mg Folate (B9) 4% 14 μg Vitamin C 79% 71.5 mg Minerals Quantity %DV† Calcium 0% 5 mg Iron 1% 0.13 mg Magnesium 2% 10 mg Manganese 2% 0.055 mg Phosphorus 2% 31 mg Potassium 6% 171 mg Sodium 0% 1 mg Zinc 1% 0.07 mg Other constituents Quantity Water 81.8 g Full Link to USDA entry in FoodData Central †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[31] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[32]

Raw lychee fruit is 82% water, 17% [carbohydrates](/source/Carbohydrate), 1% [protein](/source/Protein_(nutrient)), and contains negligible [fat](/source/Fat) (table). In a 100-gram (3.5 oz) reference amount, raw lychee fruit supplies 66 [calories](/source/Calorie) of food energy. The raw pulp is rich in [vitamin C](/source/Vitamin_C), having 72 mg per 100 grams – an amount representing 79% of the [Daily Value](/source/Daily_Value) – but contains no other [micronutrients](/source/Micronutrient) in significant content (table).

### Phytochemicals

Lychees have moderate amounts of [polyphenols](/source/Polyphenol),[33] including [flavan-3-ol](/source/Flavan-3-ol) monomers and dimers as major compounds representing about 87% of total polyphenols, which declined in content during storage or [browning](/source/Food_browning).[34] [Cyanidin-3-glucoside](/source/Cyanidin-3-glucoside) represented 92% of total [anthocyanins](/source/Anthocyanin).[34]

## Poisoning

In 1962, it was found that lychee seeds contained [methylenecyclopropylglycine](/source/Methylene_cyclopropyl_acetic_acid) (MCPG), a [homologue](/source/Homology_(biology)) of [hypoglycin A](/source/Hypoglycin_A), which caused [hypoglycemia](/source/Hypoglycemia) in human and animal studies.[35] Since the end of the 1990s, unexplained outbreaks of [encephalopathy](/source/Encephalopathy) had been documented, appearing to affect only children in India[36] (where it is called *chamki bukhar*),[37] and northern [Vietnam](/source/Vietnam) (where it was called Ac Mong encephalitis after the Vietnamese word for [nightmare](/source/Nightmare), *ác mộng*)[38] during the lychee harvest season from May to June[39] or July.[38]

A 2013 investigation by the U.S. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](/source/Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention) (CDC), in India, showed that cases were linked to the consumption of lychee fruit,[40] causing a noninflammatory [encephalopathy](/source/Encephalopathy) that mimicked symptoms of [Jamaican vomiting sickness](/source/Jamaican_vomiting_sickness).[41] Because low blood sugar ([hypoglycemia](/source/Hypoglycemia)) of less than 70 mg/dL in the [undernourished](/source/Undernourished) children on admission was common, and associated with a poorer outcome (44% of all cases were fatal) the CDC identified the illness as a [hypoglycemic](/source/Hypoglycemia) encephalopathy.[40]

The investigation linked the illness to hypoglycin A and MCPG toxicity, and to [malnourished](/source/Malnutrition) children eating lychees (particularly unripe ones) on an empty stomach.[7]

The CDC report recommended that parents ensure their children limit lychee consumption and have an evening meal, elevating blood glucose levels that may be sufficient to deter illness.[40][41] Education campaigns aimed at reducing the prevalence of lychee-associated encephalopathy have been launched, some before the mechanism of toxicity was elucidated, for example beginning in 1995 in China.[42]

Earlier studies had incorrectly concluded that transmission may occur from direct contact with lychees contaminated by [bat](/source/Bat) [saliva](/source/Saliva), urine, or [guano](/source/Guano) or with other [vectors](/source/Vector_(epidemiology)), such as insects found in lychee trees or [sand flies](/source/Sand_flies), as in the case of [Chandipura virus](/source/Chandipura_virus).[38] A 2017 study found that pesticides used in the plantations could be responsible for the encephalitis and deaths of young children in [Bangladesh](/source/Bangladesh).[43][44]

## Gallery

		- [China 3 cultivar](/source/China_3_lychee) of lychee fruit

		- Peeled lychee fruits

		- Lychee fruit

		- Lychees at a market in [Uttar Pradesh](/source/Uttar_Pradesh), India

## See also

- [China 3 lychee](/source/China_3_lychee)

- [Chinese food therapy](/source/Chinese_food_therapy)

- [Korlan](/source/Korlan)

- [Lanzones](/source/Lanzones)

- [Lichido](/source/Lichido) liqueur

- [List of culinary fruits](/source/List_of_culinary_fruits)

- [Longan](/source/Longan)

- [Lychee wine](/source/Lychee_wine)

- *[Melicoccus bijugatus](/source/Melicoccus_bijugatus)*

- [Rambutan](/source/Rambutan)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Also spelled *litchi*, *lichee*, or *lichi*.[3]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GRIN_1-0)** ["*Litchi chinensis*"](https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=22399). *[Germplasm Resources Information Network](/source/Germplasm_Resources_Information_Network)*. [Agricultural Research Service](/source/Agricultural_Research_Service), [United States Department of Agriculture](/source/United_States_Department_of_Agriculture). Retrieved 19 January 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["*Litchi chinensis* (Thunb.) H.Deane"](http://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000446283). *World Flora Online*. World Flora Consortium. 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["litchi"](https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/litchi). *Collins English Dictionary*. HarperCollins. Retrieved 24 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-Purdue_5-11) Morton, J.F. (1987). [*Lychee. In: Fruits of Warm Climates*](http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/lychee.html). West Lafayette, Indiana, USA: Center for New Crops and Plant Products, Purdue University, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. pp. 249–259. Retrieved 30 October 2013.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-kew_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-kew_6-1) ["*Litchi chinensis* Sonn. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science"](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:783539-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-lancet_7-0)** Spencer, P.S.; Palmer, V.S. (2017). ["The enigma of litchi toxicity: an emerging health concern in southern Asia"](https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS2214-109X%2817%2930046-3). *The Lancet*. Online, 30 January 2017 (4): e383–e384. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30046-3](https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS2214-109X%2817%2930046-3). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [28153516](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28153516).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-lancet2_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-lancet2_8-1) Aakash Shrivastava; Anil Kumar; Jerry D Thomas; Kayla F Laserson; Gyan Bhushan; et al. (2017). ["Association of acute toxic encephalopathy with lychee consumption in an outbreak in Muzaffarpur, India, 2015: a case-control study"](https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS2214-109X%2817%2930035-9). *The Lancet*. 30 January 2017 (online) (4): e458–e466. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30035-9](https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS2214-109X%2817%2930035-9). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [28153514](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28153514).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Sonnerat_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Sonnerat_9-1) Sonnerat, P. (1782) Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine, fait par ordre du Roi, depuis 1774 jusqu'en 1781. Tome second, p. 230. Paris.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-USDA2_10-0)** ["*Litchi chinensis* subsp. *philippinensis*"](https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=102744). *[Germplasm Resources Information Network](/source/Germplasm_Resources_Information_Network)*. [Agricultural Research Service](/source/Agricultural_Research_Service), [United States Department of Agriculture](/source/United_States_Department_of_Agriculture). Retrieved 2013-10-30.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Menzel_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Menzel_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Menzel_11-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Menzel_11-3) Courtney Menzel (2005). [*Litchi and longan: botany, production and uses*](https://books.google.com/books?id=49PB5MhHqkcC&pg=PA26). Wallingford, Oxfordshire: CABI. p. 26. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-85199-696-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-85199-696-7).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Oxford_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Oxford_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Oxford_12-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Oxford_12-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Oxford_12-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Oxford_12-5) Davidson, Jane L.; Davidson, Alan; Saberi, Helen; Jaine, Tom (2006). [*The Oxford companion to food*](https://books.google.com/books?id=JTr-ouCbL2AC&pg=PA467). Oxford [Oxfordshire]: Oxford University Press. p. 467. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-280681-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-280681-9).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Barret_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Barret_13-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Barret_13-2) Hosahalli Ramaswamy; Diane Barrett; Laszlo P. Somogyi (2005). [*Processing fruits: science and technology*](https://books.google.com/books?id=S-yJSAR5b04C&pg=PA687). Boca Raton: CRC Press. p. 687. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8493-1478-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8493-1478-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Prakash, S., et al. "Aroma Volatiles in Litchi Fruit: A Mini-Review." *Horticulturae* 8, no. 12 (2022): 1166. [MDPI](https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/8/12/1166)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Xiao, Z., et al. "Characterization of the Key Aroma Compounds in ‘Sweetheart’ Lychee (*Litchi chinensis* Sonn.)." *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry* 66, no. 14 (2018): 3706–3712. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29567218)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Joomwong, A., et al. "Volatile Constituents of Lychee (*Litchi chinensis* Sonn.) Fruit." *Kasetsart Journal (Nat. Sci.)* 41 (2007): 256–262. [ThaiScience](https://www.thaiscience.info/Article%20for%20ThaiScience/Article/1/10011926.pdf)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Prakash, S., et al. "Aroma Volatiles in Litchi Fruit: A Mini-Review." *Horticulturae* 8, no. 12 (2022): 1166. [MDPI](https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/8/12/1166)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Xiao, Z., et al. "Characterization of the Key Aroma Compounds in ‘Sweetheart’ Lychee (*Litchi chinensis* Sonn.)." *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry* 66, no. 14 (2018): 3706–3712. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29567218)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Andersen_19-0)** Andersen, Peter A.; Schaffer, Bruce (1994). [*Handbook of environmental physiology of fruit crops*](https://books.google.com/books?id=wynac3NvzLsC&pg=PA123). Boca Raton: CRC Press. pp. 123–140. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8493-0179-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8493-0179-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Bishop, Kevin (1997). [*China's Imperial Way: Retracing an Historical Trade and Communications Route from Beijing to Hong Kong*](https://books.google.com/books?id=1c0UyPNF_I0C). China Books. p. 17. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9622175112](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9622175112). Retrieved 2 January 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** [Yu, Yingshi](/source/Yu_Ying-shih) (2016). *Chinese History and Culture. Volume 1, Sixth Century B.C.E. to Seventeenth Century*. New York: Columbia University Press. p. 114. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-231-54201-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-231-54201-2). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [933211532](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/933211532).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** [Juan González de Mendoza](/source/Juan_Gonz%C3%A1lez_de_Mendoza), *[The history of the great and mighty kingdom of China and the situation thereof](https://archive.org/stream/historyofgreatmi14151gonz#page/14/mode/2up)*. English translation by Robert Parke, 1588, in an 1853 reprint by Hakluyt Society. Page 14. The Spanish version (in a 1944 reprint) has *lechías*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-kaj_23-0)** Kajdański, Edward (1999). "Flora Chin". *Michał Boym: ambasador Państwa Środka* (in Polish). Warszawa: Książka i Wiedza. p. 183. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9788305130967](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9788305130967).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_24-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_24-1) Ganeshram, Ramin (2024-06-25). ["How a Cake Became a National Obsession"](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/25/dining/lychee-cake.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0362-4331](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). Retrieved 2024-06-30.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Hu, Guibing; Feng, Junting; Xiang, Xu; Wang, Jiabao; Salojärvi, Jarkko; Liu, Chengming; Wu, Zhenxian; Zhang, Jisen; Liang, Xinming; Jiang, Zide; Liu, Wei (January 2022). ["Two divergent haplotypes from a highly heterozygous lychee genome suggest independent domestication events for early and late-maturing cultivars"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8755541). *Nature Genetics*. **54** (1): 73–83. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1038/s41588-021-00971-3](https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41588-021-00971-3). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1546-1718](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1546-1718). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [8755541](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8755541). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [34980919](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34980919).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-mitra_26-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-mitra_26-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-mitra_26-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-mitra_26-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-mitra_26-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-mitra_26-5) Mitra, S.K. (2000). ["Overview of lychee production in the Asia-Pacific region"](http://www.fao.org/3/ac684e/ac684e04.htm). Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, Office for Asia and the Pacific. Retrieved 12 June 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Crane, Jonathan H.; Carlos F. Balerdi; Ian Maguire (2008) [1968]. ["Lychee growing in the Florida home landscape"](http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG051). University of Florida. Retrieved 30 June 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Menzel, C.M. (January 1985). "Propagation of lychee: A review". *Scientia Horticulturae*. **25** (1): 31–48. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[1985ScHor..25...31M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1985ScHor..25...31M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/0304-4238(85)90074-3](https://doi.org/10.1016%2F0304-4238%2885%2990074-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Good management practices in litchi"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210820161034/https://www.nrclitchi.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/good-management-practices-in-litchi.pdf) (PDF). National Research Centre on Litchi, Bihar, India. 2016. Archived from [the original](http://www.nrclitchi.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/good-management-practices-in-litchi.pdf) (PDF) on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Boning, Charles R. (2006). *Florida's Best Fruiting Plants: Native and Exotic Trees, Shrubs, and Vines*. Sarasota, Florida: Pineapple Press, Inc. p. 132.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Salunkhe_31-0)** Kadam, S. S.; Salunkhe, D. K. (1995). [*Handbook of fruit science and technology: production, composition, storage, and processing*](https://books.google.com/books?id=v2WnS_2ZmDwC&pg=PA436). New York: M. Dekker. p. 436. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8247-9643-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8247-9643-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FDADailyValues_32-0)** [United States Food and Drug Administration](/source/Food_and_Drug_Administration) (2024). ["Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels"](https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels). *FDA*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240327175201/https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels) from the original on 2024-03-27. Retrieved 2024-03-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NationalAcademiesPotassium_33-0)** ["TABLE 4-7 Comparison of Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in This Report to Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in the 2005 DRI Report"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545428/table/tab_4_7/). p. 120. In: Stallings, Virginia A.; Harrison, Meghan; Oria, Maria, eds. (2019). "Potassium: Dietary Reference Intakes for Adequacy". *Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium*. pp. 101–124. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.17226/25353](https://doi.org/10.17226%2F25353). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-309-48834-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-309-48834-1). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [30844154](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30844154). [NCBI](/source/Bookshelf_ID_(identifier)) [NBK545428](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545428).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** Brat, Pierre; Georgé, Stéphane; Bellamy, Annick; Du Chaffaut, Laure; Scalbert, Augustin; et al. (September 2006). ["Daily polyphenol intake in France from fruit and vegetables"](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fjn%2F136.9.2368). *The Journal of Nutrition*. **136** (9): 2368–2373. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/jn/136.9.2368](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fjn%2F136.9.2368). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [16920856](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16920856).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-zhang_35-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-zhang_35-1) Zhang, Donglin; Quantick, Peter C.; Grigor, John M. (2000). "Changes in phenolic compounds in Litchi (*Litchi chinensis* Sonn.) fruit during postharvest storage". *Postharvest Biology and Technology*. **19** (2): 165–172. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/S0925-5214(00)00084-3](https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS0925-5214%2800%2900084-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** Gray, D. O.; Fowden, L. (1962). ["Alpha-(Methylenecyclopropyl)glycine from Litchi seeds"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1243468). *The Biochemical Journal*. **82** (3): 385–389. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1042/bj0820385](https://doi.org/10.1042%2Fbj0820385). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [1243468](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1243468). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [13901296](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13901296).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** BioSpectrum Bureau (June 9, 2014). ["Mysterious litchi syndrome, kills 8 in India"](https://www.biospectrumasia.com/news/30/4723/mysterious-litchi-syndrome-kills-8-in-india.html). MM ACTIV SINGAPORE. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251203103754/https://www.biospectrumasia.com/news/30/4723/mysterious-litchi-syndrome-kills-8-in-india.html) from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** Agence France-Presse (13 June 2019). ["At least 31 children in India killed by toxin in lychees"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/13/at-least-31-children-in-india-killed-by-toxin-in-lychees). *The Guardian*. Retrieved 13 June 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-paireua_39-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-paireua_39-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-paireua_39-2) Paireau, J.; Tuan, N. H.; Lefrançois, R.; Buckwalter, M. R.; Nghia, N. D.; Hien, N. T.; Lortholary, O.; Poirée, S.; Manuguerra, J. C.; Gessain, A.; Albert, M. L.; Brey, P. T.; Nga, P. T.; Fontanet, A. (2012). ["Litchi-associated acute encephalitis in children, Northern Vietnam, 2004–2009"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3559149). *Emerging Infectious Diseases*. **18** (11): 1817–1824. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3201/eid1811.111761](https://doi.org/10.3201%2Feid1811.111761). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [3559149](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3559149). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [23092599](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23092599).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** Singh, H.P.; Babita, S. ["Lychee production in India"](http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/ac684e/ac684e08.htm). Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. Retrieved 12 June 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CDC_41-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CDC_41-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CDC_41-2) Shrivastava, A.; et al. (30 January 2015). ["Outbreaks of Unexplained Neurologic Illness — Muzaffarpur, India, 2013–2014"](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6403a1.htm). *MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report*. **64** (3): 49–53. [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [4584556](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584556). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [25632950](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25632950). Retrieved 30 Jan 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-nyt_42-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-nyt_42-1) Barry, Ellen (31 January 2017). ["Dangerous Fruit: Mystery of Deadly Outbreaks in India Is Solved"](https://nytimes.com/2017/01/31/world/asia/lychee-litchi-india-outbreak.html). *New York Times*. Retrieved 1 February 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ZhangFontaine2017_43-0)** Zhang, Li Jie; Fontaine, Robert E (September 2017). ["Lychee-associated encephalopathy in China and its reduction since 2000"](https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS2214-109X%2817%2930291-7). *The Lancet Global Health*. **5** (9): e865. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30291-7](https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS2214-109X%2817%2930291-7). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [28807180](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28807180).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** ["Pesticides May Have Caused South Asian Children's Sudden Deaths"](https://www.voanews.com/a/pesticides-lychee-south-asian-children-sudden-deaths/3958831.html). Voa news. 25 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** Mohammed Saiful Islam (2017). ["Outbreak of Sudden Death with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome Among Children Associated with Exposure to Lychee Orchards in Northern Bangladesh, 2012"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590581). *The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene*. **97** (3): 949–957. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.4269/ajtmh.16-0856](https://doi.org/10.4269%2Fajtmh.16-0856). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [5590581](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590581). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [28749763](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28749763).

## Further reading

- Boning, Charles R. (2006). "Lychee". *Florida's Best Fruiting Plants: Native and Exotic Trees, Shrubs, and Vines*. Sarasota, Florida: Pineapple Press, Inc. pp. 130–133.

- Hui, Y. H. (2008). ["Lychee"](https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5XgP-aLmWIC&pg=PA606). *Handbook of Fruits and Fruit Processing*. New Delhi: Wiley India. pp. 606–611. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-265-1788-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-265-1788-6).

- Kadam, S. S.; S. S. Deshpande (1995). ["Lychee"](https://books.google.com/books?id=v2WnS_2ZmDwC&pg=PA435). In D. K. Salunkhe; S. S. Kadam (eds.). *Handbook of Fruit Science and Technology: Production, Composition, Storage, and Processing*. New York: M. Dekker. pp. 435–443. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8247-9643-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8247-9643-3).

- Rosengartens, Frederic (2004). ["Litchi 'Nuts'"](https://books.google.com/books?id=7CK8LFCcvtcC&pg=PA299). *The Book of Edible Nuts*. New York: Dover Publication. pp. 299–300. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-486-43499-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-486-43499-5).

## External links

Wikibooks [Cookbook](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook) has a recipe/module on

- ***[Lychee](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Lychee)***

- Media related to [Litchi chinensis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Litchi_chinensis) at Wikimedia Commons

- The dictionary definition of [*lychee*](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Special:Search/lychee) at Wiktionary

Taxon identifiers Litchi chinensis Wikidata: Q13182 Wikispecies: Litchi chinensis BOLD: 204732 CoL: 3VHCT Ecocrop: 1357 EoL: 487032 EPPO: LIHCH FNA: 200013205 FoC: 200013205 GBIF: 3190002 GRIN: 22399 iNaturalist: 223964 IPNI: 783539-1 IRMNG: 10208342 ITIS: 503504 MoBotPF: 286819 NatureServe: 2.154427 NCBI: 151069 NZOR: f0a124b9-b807-43bb-9cd7-90a5cb4dc61b NZPCN: 4360 Observation.org: 369520 Open Tree of Life: 343397 Plant List: kew-2498693 PLANTS: LICH4 POWO: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:783539-1 TaiCOL: t0054283 Tropicos: 28600857 WFO: wfo-0000446283

Authority control databases International GND National United States France BnF data Israel Other Yale LUX

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lychee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.