Pistacia lentiscus is native to the Mediterranean regions, including Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece) and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia). It is widely cultivated in these areas for its ornamental value and aromatic resins.
Pistacia lentiscus is an evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 2-5 meters, although under particularly favorable conditions, it can grow up to 7 meters. It has a dense, rounded crown with thick, woody branches. The leaves are compound, ovate or lanceolate, dark green, and glossy, with slightly serrated edges. Each leaf is composed of 6-10 smaller leaflets, each with a smooth surface and prominent veins.
Flowering occurs in spring. Pistacia lentiscus is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, yellowish-green in color, and clustered in inflorescences. The fruits are spherical drupes, dark red or brown, containing a hard seed inside. The fruits mature in summer and are relatively small, about 1 cm in diameter.
Pistacia lentiscus prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline. It grows well in sunny locations and tolerates the hot, dry climates typical of Mediterranean regions. It is drought-resistant and can thrive in poor, saline soils, making it suitable for coastal areas. However, it is not very resistant to intense cold and can suffer from prolonged frost.
Pistacia lentiscus is valued for its ornamental qualities and is often used in Mediterranean gardens, hedges, and as a screening plant. It is also known for its aromatic resin, mastic, which is extracted from the bark and branches and has a long history of use in traditional medicine and as a culinary ingredient. The resin is used to flavor sweets and liqueurs, and it is also employed in cosmetic and medicinal products. Additionally, Pistacia lentiscus is often used for soil stabilization and ecological restoration in degraded areas due to its ability to adapt to challenging environmental conditions. The leaves and fruits have traditional uses in medicinal practices for treating digestive disorders and inflammation.
