Failure

This Litchee tree was planted ten years ago, and it has grown quite tall. But it seems to be what gardeners of old used to call 'barren'. I have done everything to persuade it to flower- given it cow manure, sheep manure, compost, plenty of water, withheld water, and even chemical fertilizer, to no avail. I have talked to it for days on end, my gardener has scolded it and beaten it with a broom- but it has remained fruit and flower challenged. Being a teacher, I don't have the heart to discard it , as it might be ' differently abled'. it seems to have a companion- the Common Jay which is shown below.

This butterfly circles the top of the Litchee tree throughout the day, chasing away any other butterflies. I hav observed it chase away Crimson Rose butterflies, Common mormons and even the huge Blue Mormon! It comes down once in a while to visit the flowers and replenish itself.

Do you know a way to make the Litchi tree bloom? Other Litchi trees are not so temperamental. My friend who lives in the next block , gets basketfuls of litchi fruit every year.