Pg. 5-6 Review of South African Litchi Production and Marketing

The Litchi (Litchi chinensis) has been cultivated in China for over 3 500 years and has undergone selection for specific production areas. It was introduced into South Africa towards the end of the 19th century.

Two major cultivars are currently being grown on a commercial basis, namely:
L chinensis cv mauritius (Tai So) in the lower subtropical areas and L chinensis cv maclean, a local selection grown in slightly higher, cooler areas of the subtropical belt.

The major litchi producing countries are located in the east, eg China and India; South Africa is the major producer on the African continent.