What Are the Different Types of Lychee Plant

Lychee is a tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its sweet and juicy flesh, which is often enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary dishes. The lychee plant, also known as Litchi chinensis, is a medium-sized evergreen tree that produces these delicious fruits. While there are many different varieties of lychee plants, they can generally be categorized into three main types: Emperor, Brewster, and Mauritius.

Emperor Lychee Plant

The Emperor lychee plant is one of the most popular and widely cultivated varieties of lychee. It originated in China and is known for its large size and excellent flavor. The fruit of the Emperor lychee plant is round to oval-shaped and has a rough, bumpy skin that turns from green to red when ripe. The flesh is translucent white, juicy, and very sweet. The Emperor variety is often referred to as the “King of Fruits” due to its superior taste.

The Emperor lychee plant is a vigorous grower and can reach heights of up to 40 feet. It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. This variety is also more tolerant of cold temperatures compared to other types of lychee plants, making it suitable for cultivation in subtropical regions.

Brewster Lychee Plant

The Brewster lychee plant is another popular variety that originated in China. It is named after an American horticulturist, William Brewster, who introduced this variety to Florida in the early 1900s. The fruit of the Brewster lychee plant is smaller than the Emperor variety but still has a deliciously sweet flavor. It has a thin, easily peelable skin that is bright red when ripe. The flesh is also translucent white but may have a slightly darker hue compared to the Emperor variety.

The Brewster lychee plant is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 30 feet. It requires a warm and humid climate to thrive and is not as cold-tolerant as the Emperor variety. However, with proper care and protection from frost, it can be successfully grown in subtropical regions.

Mauritius Lychee Plant

The Mauritius lychee plant, also known as Kwai Mai Pink, is a variety that originated in Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is named after the place where it was first discovered. The fruit of the Mauritius lychee plant is medium-sized and has a slightly elongated shape. The skin is bright red when ripe and has a rough texture. The flesh is pale pink and has a sweet and tangy flavor.

The Mauritius lychee plant is a smaller tree compared to the Emperor and Brewster varieties, reaching heights of around 20 feet. It requires a tropical climate with high humidity to thrive. This variety is highly sought after for its unique flavor and attractive appearance.

Other Varieties

In addition to the three main types mentioned above, there are several other lesser-known varieties of lychee plants. Some of these include:

• Sweetheart: This variety produces small to medium-sized fruits with a sweet and juicy flesh. The skin is bright red when ripe.
• Bengal: The Bengal lychee plant produces fruits with a large size and excellent flavor. The skin is rough and turns from green to red when ripe.
• Hak Ip: Also known as Black Leaf, this variety is highly regarded for its large fruit size and intense sweetness.
• Wai Chee: The Wai Chee lychee plant produces fruits that are smaller in size but have a rich, aromatic flavor.

These are just a few examples of the many different varieties of lychee plants available. Each variety has its own unique characteristics and flavor profile, making them suitable for various culinary uses.

Conclusion

Lychee plants are beloved for their delicious fruits and tropical beauty. Whether you choose to grow the Emperor, Brewster, Mauritius, or one of the many other varieties available, cultivating a lychee plant can be a rewarding experience. From the large and sweet Emperor to the tangy and pink Mauritius, each variety offers its own distinct flavor and appearance. So why not try growing your own lychee plant and enjoy the taste of this exotic fruit right in your own backyard?