The lychee It is the fruit of a tropical tree whose name is litchi chinensis ideal for gardens that enjoy a warm climate throughout the year. It is widely cultivated, not only for its delicious fruits, but also for its great ornamental value.
In addition, it gives very good shade, so that you can have picnics or read a good book under its branches. If you suddenly feel hungry, grab some lychees, and while you eat them you will be strengthening your immune system. Shall we tell you how to grow it? : )
Lychee characteristics
Lychee, known as Chinese plum, It is an evergreen tree that reaches between 10 and 15 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, petiolate and long, up to 12cm, of a glossy dark green color on the upper side and glaucous on the underside. When they sprout, they are bronze in color.
Its flowers are very curious: they do not have petals, and appear grouped in inflorescences that are paniculate axillary or terminal that have many stems.. They are greenish-white or yellowish. Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to mature, which will become a drupe up to 2,5 cm in diameter, with an ovoid shape. It is edible, sweet and somewhat acidic in taste.
How do you take care of yourself?
To have one or more specimens in the garden or orchard, the following must be taken into account:
- Location: outdoors, in full sun or in semi-shade.
- Land: fresh, rich in organic matter, and with good drainage. The pH must be between 6 and 7.
- Irrigation: frequent. It is necessary to avoid that the earth dries up, but also the waterlogging.
- Subscriber: must be paid in spring and summer with organic fertilizers, making a monthly contribution. It is advisable to put a layer of about 2-5cm around the plant so that it can grow well.
- Planting time: in spring.
- Multiplication: the most reliable method is by means of an approximation graft, which consists of welding two branches.
- Rusticity: it does not support the cold, only down to -1ºC if it is for a short time.
Lychee uses
Lychee it is used as an ornamental plant, but also for better health. Its nutritional composition per unit (25 grams) is as follows:
- Calories: 15kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3,50g
- Proteins: 0,20g
- Fat: 0,11g
- Fiber: 0,33g
- Vitamin C: 18mg
- Phosphorus: 7,75mg
- Potassium: 42,75mg
- Iron: 0,08mg
- Water: 20,44g
Thanks to this fruit, you can have a stronger immune systemwhich will prevent you from getting colds or the flu. What’s more, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As well can be used to treat gastritis and stomach pain.
You can consume it fresh, dried or canned, in juices, or in soft drinks.
What did you think of this plant? Interesting, right?