Pistacia lentiscus

Pistacia lentiscus (also known as mastic) is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Pistacia genus, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Iberian peninsula in the west through southern France and Turkey to Iran and the Canary Islands in the east.

Description

Pistacia lentiscus is a dioecious evergreen shrub or small tree, which can reach heights of up to 4 meters (13 ft). The leaves are compound, 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long, and alternate, with 5-10 leaflets. The flowers are small, with five petals, and produced in clusters. The fruit is a small, round drupe, red to black when ripe.

Cultivation and uses

Pistacia lentiscus is cultivated for its aromatic resin, mainly on the Greek island of Chios. The resin, known as mastic, is harvested by making small cuts in the bark to allow the resin to seep out. It is used in the production of a Greek liquor called Mastiha, and is also used in cooking, in pharmaceuticals, and as a varnish for furniture.

Ecology

Pistacia lentiscus is well adapted to the conditions of the Mediterranean region, including its dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is a characteristic species of the Mediterranean forest, and is also found in maquis shrubland and garrigue.

See also

• Pistacia
• Mediterranean forest
• Mastiha