General Characteristics:
- Height: Typically grows to about 10-15 meters (33-49 feet) tall but can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet) in ideal conditions.
- Leaves: The tree has glossy, dark green leaves that are compound, consisting of several leaflets. Each leaf is around 10-20 cm long, with a shiny appearance.
- Bark: The bark is rough and grayish-brown, becoming fissured with age.
Flowers:
- Inflorescence: The flowers are small and fragrant, appearing in large clusters (panicles) in spring. They are usually greenish or yellowish in color.
- Pollination: Lychee trees are often pollinated by insects, especially bees.
Fruit:
- Shape and Size: The lychee fruit is typically round or oval, about 2-5 cm in diameter.
- Skin: The skin is bumpy, leathery, and red to pink in color when ripe. The texture is rough, which makes it distinct.
- Flesh: Inside, the fruit has a translucent, juicy white flesh that is sweet and fragrant, encasing a single glossy seed.
- Flavor: The flavor is sweet, with floral notes, making it highly sought after in fresh and preserved forms.
Growing Conditions:
- Climate: The Baitaying lychee tree thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring warm temperatures and high humidity.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils with a pH of around 5.5 to 7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential for optimal growth and fruit production.
Care:
- Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during the fruiting season, but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
- Fertilization: Regular fertilization with balanced fertilizers can promote healthy growth and fruit yield.
- Pruning: Pruning is recommended to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation.
Uses:
- Culinary: The lychee fruit is eaten fresh, used in desserts, juices, or canned. It can also be used in savory dishes in some cuisines.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, lychee is considered a symbol of romance and good fortune.
Harvesting:
- Lychee fruit is typically harvested in late spring to early summer, depending on the region.
