Litchi is scientifically known as Litchi chinensis belonging to Family sapindaeae. Its origin is considered to be South China..
General description - Litchi fruit, native of southern China has deliciously flavored, sweet, juicy and pearly white flesh which is a rich source of vitamin C. India and China accounts for 91 per cent of the world litchi production but it is marketed locally. India ranks second in area after China and have the highest productivity with 63,000 ha area and 3.81 metric tones productivity. In India, litchi ranks 7th in area and 9th in production among fruit crops but in value terms, it ranks 6th. Bihar is the leading state in litchi production in the country. Assam, Orissa, Punjab, Himanchal Pradesh, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal are the other main litchi growing states.
1- Non climacteric fruit: - The quality doesn't improve after harvest. So the fruits should be allowed to ripen properly on the tree. In Non climacteric fruits respiration rate does not increase after harvesting.
2- Subtropical fruit: - It is grown in areas where there is cool dry, frost free winter and long hot summer with high rainfall and humidity.