Lychee Mauritius Tree
Original price
$110.00
-
Original price
$110.00
Original price
$110.00
$110.00
-
$110.00
Current price
$110.00
Taste of the Lychee Mauritius TreeThe Lychee Mauritius tree produces fruit renowned for its exquisite flavor profile, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and a subtle tanginess that distinguishes it from other lychee varieties. The flesh is translucent, juicy, and firm with a jelly-like texture, offering a refreshing burst of tropical sweetness complemented by delicate floral and rose-like aromas that enhance the eating experience. Encased in a bumpy, rosy-red skin that's easily peeled away, the fruit delivers a harmonious taste that's neither overly cloying nor acidic, making it ideal for fresh consumption, desserts, or even sun-dried as litchi nuts. This gourmet quality has made Mauritius a favorite among home growers and commercial producers alike, with its reliable flavor complexity ensuring a delightful harvest season after season.
Common Names and OverviewKnown primarily as the Mauritius Lychee, this cultivar derives its name from the island of Mauritius off the coast of Madagascar, where it was first discovered and cultivated. It's also referred to simply as Mauritius or the "Botali" lychee in some regional contexts, emphasizing its origins in tropical African and Asian horticulture. As a member of the Litchi chinensis species, it's celebrated for its vigorous growth and consistent fruiting, positioning it as one of the top commercial lychee varieties, particularly in Florida's orchards. Home gardeners appreciate its ornamental appeal, with glossy evergreen leaves and a naturally rounded canopy that adds year-round elegance to landscapes.
Best Growing EnvironmentThe Lychee Mauritius tree thrives in warm, subtropical to tropical climates characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, making it an excellent choice for coastal or sheltered garden spots. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soils with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5, enriched with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to promote root health and nutrient uptake. Avoid areas prone to flooding, strong winds, or high salinity, as these can stress the shallow root system. In ideal conditions, the tree develops a dense, attractive form that's both productive and visually striking, benefiting from good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. While it's adaptable for in-ground planting in warmer regions, container growing in pots allows flexibility for cooler areas, provided the tree is moved indoors during cold snaps.Average Height and Growth RateMature Lychee Mauritius trees typically reach an average height of 20 to 30 feet, with a spread of 15 to 20 feet, forming a broad, rounded canopy that's perfect for medium-sized gardens or as a patio focal point. In optimal environments, they can occasionally exceed 40 feet in tropical settings, though pruning helps maintain a more compact 12 to 15-foot stature for easier fruit access. The growth rate is moderate to slow, especially in the first few years, with new plants establishing steadily before accelerating into vigorous upright shoots once rooted. Expect noticeable height gains of 1 to 2 feet annually under favorable conditions, with air-layered trees—common for this variety—beginning to bear fruit within 2 to 3 years of planting, showcasing its reliable progression from sapling to productive specimen.
Sun RequirementsFull sun is essential for the Lychee Mauritius tree, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to fuel robust growth, vibrant foliage, and abundant fruit production. Position it in an open, south-facing location away from shading structures or taller trees to maximize light exposure, as insufficient sun can lead to leggy growth and reduced yields. Bright, unobstructed light not only encourages flowering but also enhances the fruit's sweetness and color intensity. In partial shade, the tree may survive but will produce fewer clusters and weaker overall vigor, underscoring the importance of sunny, airy sites for this tropical evergreen.
Cold HardinessAs a subtropical species, the Lychee Mauritius exhibits moderate cold hardiness, tolerating brief dips to 26°F (-3°C) once established, but young trees are highly sensitive to frost and should be protected during their first 3 to 5 years. It's best suited for USDA zones 9b to 11 outdoors, where winter lows rarely fall below 30°F for extended periods; in zone 9b, it shows particular resilience compared to other cultivars, making it a top pick for marginal growers in Florida or similar areas. For colder zones (4 to 9a), container cultivation allows overwintering indoors, with root insulation via mulch layers of 6 to 8 inches of wood chips recommended to shield against freezes. Extended cold or late-spring frosts can damage blooms and young growth, so site selection near windbreaks or walls is crucial for longevity.
Water RequirementsThe Lychee Mauritius demands consistent moisture to support its shallow roots and high transpiration rates, especially in sandy or fast-draining soils, but it tolerates short droughts once mature. Newly planted trees require 1 to 2 inches of water per week—delivered deeply via drip irrigation or soaker hoses 2 to 3 times weekly during establishment—to prevent root stress without promoting rot. Reduce frequency in fall and winter to allow slight soil drying between sessions, and cut back watering 6 to 8 weeks before anticipated flowering to encourage bloom set. Mature trees thrive on rainfall supplemented by deep weekly soakings during dry spells, aiming for evenly moist (not soggy) conditions; overwatering invites fungal diseases, while underwatering leads to fruit drop. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Planting Guide
- Select a healthy, air-layered Mauritius sapling from a reputable source, ideally 2 to 4 feet tall, to ensure quick fruiting.
- Choose a planting site in full sun with well-draining, acidic soil; test pH and amend with organic matter if needed.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, spacing trees 15 to 25 feet apart for airflow and mature spread.
- Gently loosen the root ball, place the tree at the same depth as in its container, and backfill with native soil mixed with compost, firming lightly without compacting.
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil, then apply a 3 to 4-inch mulch layer around the base, extending to the drip line but keeping it away from the trunk.
- Stake young trees if unstable, and monitor for the first two weeks with daily morning watering to promote root establishment.
- For container planting, use a large (20+ gallon) pot with drainage holes, filled with acidic potting mix; repot annually as it grows.
- Timing: Fertilize young trees quarterly from late winter (February) through summer (August), avoiding applications during active flush growth or February-March on mature trees to prevent vegetative overgrowth at the expense of fruiting; resume lightly in spring post-harvest.
- Frequency: Every 4 to 6 weeks during the active growing season (March to November) for micronutrient support, with reduced rates in fall.
- Specific Recommendations: Use a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for citrus or fruit trees, such as 8-3-9, 10-10-10, or 6-6-6, at label rates (e.g., 1 to 2 pounds per year of tree age, divided across applications); incorporate micronutrients like manganese, zinc, and iron via foliar sprays if deficiencies appear. Organic options like compost tea or fruit tree spikes work well for establishment.
- Application Tips: Spread evenly under the canopy to the drip line, followed by deep watering; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent burn, and skip nitrogen-heavy formulas ahead of bloom to promote flowering over foliage.