4776.000 Litchi Sonn.

Evergreen trees up to 30 m tall. Leaves 1-pinnate, alternate or sub-opposite; leaflets 4-8, elliptic, ovate, pointed at both ends, upper side glossy, underside dull, whitish. Inflorescence of terminal and axillary panicles. Flowers tiny, hairy. Petals absent. Sepals 4-5, fused. Fruit drupe-like, indehiscent, ovoid to globose; skin reddish, leathery, covered in short warts. Seeds 1, oblong, brownish; basal scar prominent; aril translucent, whitish.

Derivation of name: from a Chinese name

Worldwide: One species, probably from southeast Asia, but cultivated from antiquity.

Zimbabwe: 1 cultivated taxon.