Differences between Lychee Tree and Longan Tree

1. Difference of blades

The litchi tree has odd- or even-pinnate compound leaves with 2-5 pairs of leaflets, opposite or alternate, leathery, elliptic or lanceolate, about 5-16 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, with an acute or acuminate apex, a rounded or cuneate base, and entire margins.

The longan tree has even-pinnate compound leaves that are alternate, thinly leathery, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, similar in size to the former, with an acute or slightly obtuse tip.

2. The difference between flowers

The lychee tree has cymes of inflorescence, which are arranged in a cone shape. The flower color is yellow-green.

The longan tree has a panicle inflorescence that grows in clusters and is polygamous. It has 5 petals, which are yellow-white in color.