Under ideal conditions they may reach 40 feet high, but they are usually much smaller The tree in full fruit is a stunning sight. The leathery, pinnate leaves are divided into four to eight leaflets. They are reddish when young, becoming shiny and bright green. Lychee trees have full foliage and branch to the ground. The tiny petalless, yellowish-green flowers are borne in in terminal clusters to 30 inches.
Lychees are eye-catching in spring when the huge sprays of flowers adorn the tree.
Flowering precedes fruit maturity by approximately 140 days. The fruit is covered by a leathery rind or pedicarp which is pink to strawberry-red in color and rough in texture. A greenish-yellow variety is not grown in California at present. The edible portion or aril is white, translucent, firm and juicy. The flavor is sweet, fragrant and delicious.