Name: lychee, litchi, Litchi chinensis.

Height: up to 15m, but can be pruned to maintain overall size and height.

Foliage: evergreen.

Climate: lychees are climate specific, needing a protected spot in a frost-free, sub-tropical climate in order to set both male and female flowers.

Soil: prefers deep, free-draining soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or decomposed manure.

Position: part-shade to full sun, protected from strong winds and frost.

Flowering and fruiting: panicles of small white, yellow and green flowers are produced in profusion in early spring, followed by aromatic, fleshy white fruits encased in a red pimply shell.

Feeding: do not fertilise for the first few years.

Watering: water regularly, especially during establishment and fruit development.