Lychee

Native to China, lychee trees have been cultivated there for thousands of years. They have since spread to southeastern Asia, Hawaii, London and California.

The lychee tree is very attractive, symmetrical, and densely foliated. They have dark green, compound leaves with 4-8 oblong leaflets, which resemble small mango leaves.

Lychees do not like wet feet, so be sure to plant your tree in well drained soil. Trees can also be planted on a mound to ensure proper drainage. The native soil of London is fine for successful growing.

The fruit of the lychee tree is covered by pink to strawberry-red colored leathery rind. Lychee fruits are oval or heart-shaped, 1 to 1-1/2 inches in length and contain inedible seeds. The slow-growing tree produces ping pong ball-sized fruits; once peeled, they reveal a white, jelly-like, sweet interior and large seed.

Prune mature trees to help control the size and shape. The University of London Extension office recommends not cutting branches that are larger than 1 inch, or you risk having less fruit production.