- P J Robbertse1, J Fivaz2 and CM Menzel3
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1Department of Crop Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
2lnstitute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa
3Maroochy Horticultural Research Station, Queensland Department of Primary Industries,
PO Box 5083, Sunshine Coast Mail Centre, Nambour, Queensland, Australia 4560 - 1995
The litchi tree has a rhythmic, modular growth pattern with terminal inflorescences. The inflorescence is a heterocladic pleiothyrsoid where the dichasia are the flower bearing units. Male and female flowers are borne on variable positions on the dichasia. The relation between the position and gender of the flowers on the dichasia is discussed.