Цвіт лічі

The tree and its flowers

Litchi chinensis is the sole member of the genus Litchi, which belongs to the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. The flowers grow on a terminal inflorescence with many panicles on the current season's growth. The panicles grow in clusters of 10 or more, reaching 10 to 40 cm (3.9 to 15.7 in) or longer.

There are three distinct flower types, two male types and one female, borne on the same panicle. The flowers are generally recognised as self-sterile, and insects are beneficial because they carry pollen from anther to stigma. The honey bee is widely recognised as the principal pollinator.

The tree is evergreen and is frequently less than 15 m tall, sometimes reaching 28 m. Three subspecies are told apart by flower arrangement, twig thickness, fruit and the number of stamens; in subspecies chinensis the flowers typically have six stamens. Flowering varies between growing regions but usually occurs over a 6 week period between July and October. The flowers open in a usual sequence over 2 to 6 weeks: male flowers first, then female hermaphrodite flowers that set fruit, and finally male hermaphrodite flowers that do not set fruit.

Volatiles and aroma compounds

The volatile profile of the fruit differs from that of the male and female flowers. The flowers were examined at the bud stage, half open and in full bloom.

Analysis of the litchi genome revealed 38 terpene synthase genes. Five of them were associated with monoterpenes, and the others with sesquiterpenes.

Aroma-active compounds in the flesh of the lychee fruit include the monoterpenes linalool, geraniol, nerol, limonene, and cis-rose oxide, which contribute rose-like and citrus-like notes.