Lychee is a monotypic taxon and the sole member in the genus Litchi in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. It is a tropical tree native to South China, Malaysia, and northern Vietnam. The tree has been introduced throughout Southeast Asia and South Asia. Cultivation in China is documented from the 11th century.

The lychee tree (Litchi chinensis) is an evergreen tree that is native to South China, Malaysia, and northern Vietnam. It is a member of the soapberry family, Sapindaceae
Lychee trees can be grown in warm states like Florida and sheltered locations in California. Planting is typically done in the spring after the risk of frost has passed.
Newly planted trees should be watered 2 to 3 times a week during the first weeks of planting, but can be reduced once the tree is established. Prune mature trees to help control the size and shape.

The trees are predominantly cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 where the temperature never gets low enough to where the nights are frosty, and that means that Florida, California, and Hawaii have some of the best growing conditions for Lychee Tree in America where they can be grown.