Our Lychee Tree: Beauty More Than Skin Deep

In early fall, our lychee fruits begin to ripen. The tree is very special to us for two reasons: it was an air layering from a lychee tree planted by the late Kate Sessions, the pioneer horticulturist who designed San Diego's Balboa Park and was responsible for introducing many plants to San Diego from all over the world; and the layering was a gift from another renowned horticulturist and dear friend, Bill Nelson. By September, the pale green and pink fruits magically transform into ruby-red jewels hanging like decorative, clustered baubles against the backdrop of glistening green foliage. Because their pebbly, outer skins are so tough, birds leave them alone and so far, thankfully other varmints have ignored them as well. When you peel the shell, inside is a translucent white fruit that is sweet and juicy - like tasting a tropical ambrosia. Hardy in USDA zones 9b-11, lychee fruits are not only gorgeous to look at, but oh so delicious!