Litchi, LEE Chee, is the name of an evergreen tree that bears red fruit. Its name is also spelled leechee, liche, lichi, litchee, and lychee. The litchi originated in southern China, where it has been cultivated for its fruit for more than 2,000 years. Litchis also grown commercially in Austrailia, India, South Africa, Florida, and Hwaii.

The litchi is an evergreen tree that grows in warm climates. The tree bears clusters of bright red fruits also called litchis.
The litchi fruit is round and ranges from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches (1.3 to 3.8 centimeters) in diameter. It has rough, papery red skin and juicy, white flesh with a single brown seed. The fruit is rich in vitamin C. It usually is eaten fresh but may be canned in light syrup. The fruit also may be dried like raisins. When prepared this way, it is called litchi nut.
Litchi trees grow best in subtropical areas in deep, well-drained soil. They may grow up to 50 feet (15 meters) high.

Scientific classification
The litchi belongs to the soapberry family, sapondaceae. It is litchi chinensis.