Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Litchi chinensis
Lychee
Litchi chinensis, the Lychee, is a densely crowned evergreen tree whose new growth flushes bronze-red across the whole canopy before hardening to glossy dark green, so it puts on a foliage display several times a year quite apart from the fruit. Panicles of small greenish flowers in late winter give the familiar red, rough-skinned fruit in early summer.
It makes a handsome shade tree in its own right, with a low dense crown that suits a large garden or an orchard row better than a street planting pit.
Specifications
- Height8 to 12 metres
- Width6 to 10 metres
- Native toSouthern China
- FoliagePinnate leaves with glossy, leathery, lance-shaped leaflets, flushing bronze-red on new growth; evergreen
- Growth rateSlow to moderate
Conditions
- SoilPrefers deep, well-drained, slightly acidic loams rich in organic matter; dislikes alkaline soils
- LightFull sun
- WaterModerate to high; regular water is essential while fruit is sizing
- ClimateThrives in warm subtropical and tropical regions with a cool dry period to set flower
Additional Features
- FlowersLarge terminal panicles of small greenish-yellow flowers in late winter
- FruitRed, rough-skinned fruit with translucent white flesh, ripening in early summer
- UsesIdeal for orchard rows, edible landscapes, large gardens and as a low dense shade tree
- SpacingPlant 8 to 10 metres apart for orchard rows or open-grown specimens
- Low MaintenancePrune after harvest to keep the crown open and the fruit within reach
- Pest ResistanceGenerally healthy; the crop is heavily targeted by birds and bats and usually needs netting
- Seasonal AppealBronze-red foliage flushes several times a year, independent of the fruiting season
- Wildlife AttractionFlowers are worked hard by bees and the fruit feeds birds
The Lychee earns its place as a shade tree on foliage alone, and the crop settles the argument.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 09 September 2026