Jiuhu Lanzhu Lychee

Jiuhu Lanzhu Lychee

Jiuhu Lanzhu Lychee is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Lanzhu lychee, abbreviated as Lanzhu, is a variety of lychee. This variety is cultivated in all lychee-producing regions of Fujian Province, mainly distributed around Zhangzhou City. In Jiuhu Town, Longhai City, this variety is extensively planted, earning the area the nickname "Sea of Lychees." The fruit generally matures in late June, classifying it as a mid-season variety; besides being eaten fresh, it also has other uses such as winemaking. In 1993, this variety won a Bronze Award at the China Agricultural Expo.

　　Lanzhu lychee is a variety primarily produced in Zhangzhou, Fujian, with a long cultivation history. In Jiuhu Town, Longhai City, its cultivation history spans over 500 years; a 500-year-old lychee tree is still preserved locally, yielding over 600 kilograms annually, and is known as the "Lychee King." This variety is mid-season, ripening in late June, and is mainly used fresh after ripening, but can also be dried or used for winemaking. [1-2]

　　Fruit Characteristics: Lanzhu lychee fruits are large, heart-shaped, weighing 23–30 grams per fruit. The peel is cracked and raised with clear sutures. Those with bright red skin are called Red-Skin Lanzhu, while those with red-green skin are called Green-Skin Lanzhu. The flesh is thick, milky white, sweet with a slight acidity, aromatic, and has a high rate of kernel abortion, with 78% edible portion. [1-2]

　　Growth Characteristics: Plant Growth

　　Since being planted, Lanzhu lychee trees grow quickly and vigorously. Trees that are three years old reach a height and crown diameter of over 170 cm. In the early stages, the tree height exceeds the crown diameter, but later the crown diameter grows faster, limiting excessive height growth and increasing the fruiting area.

　　Fruit Development

　　The full development process of Lanzhu lychee fruits takes 72–76 days. The fruit development process can be clearly divided into three stages: the first stage is the embryo and peel development stage, the second stage is the rapid seed growth stage, and the third stage is the rapid flesh growth and fruit maturation stage.

　　There are three peak periods of fruit drop during the development process: the first peak occurs from late April to early May when the fruits are about the size of mung beans, due to poor pollination and insufficient nutrient supply; the second peak occurs around late May to early June when the flesh has grown over half the seed and the fruit reaches about one-third of its final size, caused by pests, diseases, nutrient supply, and climatic conditions; the third peak is concentrated within 5–7 days before harvest, due to factors such as pests, diseases, and excessive rainfall.

　　Growing Environment

　　Lanzhu lychee thrives and bears fruit well in areas with an average annual temperature of 19–35°C, January average temperature of 9–12°C, and absolute minimum temperature above 0°C.

　　Jiuhu Lanzhu Lychee

　　Longhai City Jiuhu Town Lychee Association

　　11014904

　　Lychee