Immature Lychee Fruits (Litchi Chinensis) Hanging From A Branch : (pix Sanjiv Shukla) Stock Photo

Lychee (Litchi chinensis) belongs to the the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. Litchi or lychee bears fleshy fruits. Fruits vary in shape from round to ovoid to heart-shaped. The thin, tough skin is green when immature, ripening to red or pink-red, and is smooth or covered with small sharp protuberances roughly textured. The rind is inedible but easily removed to expose a layer of translucent white flesh with a floral smell and a sweet flavor. The skin turns brown and dry when left out after harvesting. The fleshy, edible portion of the fruit is an aril, surrounding one dark brown inedible seed.