South China’s Guangzhou boasts world’s largest lychee gene bank

The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is home to the world’s largest lychee gene bank, housing nearly 800 varieties and a rare scientific breakthrough — the world’s first lychee-longan hybrid. China has cultivated lychees for more than 2,000 years and has exported them overseas since the 17th century.

China’s lychee industry is valued at around 4.4 billion U.S. dollars and accounts for roughly 70 percent of global production. Developing improved varieties could translate into higher incomes for farmers, longer shelf life for exporters, and more diverse options for consumers.