Lentish or Evergreen Pistache
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Lentish or Evergreen Pistache
  
(Pistacia Lentiscus)
  
EAST OF ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM (NORTH BLDG)
  
48 This tree from the Mediterranean has potential as a patio shade tree and along streets where a small tree is needed. The foliage is handsome in all seasons

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In Depth Pistacia Lentiscus, Lentish or Evergreen Pistache
Location: EAST OF ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM (NORTH BLDG)
Family: Pistaciaceae
Distribution: Mediterranean
Habitat: sandy soil and dry, rocky slopes
Habit: small, irregular evergreen tree
Flowering: red male flowers and greenish-white female flowers from about February to May
Natural History Notes: The species name means flexible or sticky, most likely referring to the gum (mastic) the tree is valued for. This species is also commonly known as lentish or evergreen pistache. Distinguishing Characteristics: This evergreen species grows either as an irregular shrub, or as a short single or multi-stemmed tree. It grows typically to heights of 12 to 25 feet with an equal or greater spread. The crown is globular and dense. The trunk is reddish when young, turning gray when older. The leaves are pinnately compound, yellow green when young, and dark green when older. It is not uncommon to see some reddening of the leaves at times. The leaves contain 3 to 5 pairs of 1-inch leaflets. The leaflets have a winged petiole, smooth edges, and are oval shaped. The inconspicuous flowers form from February to May. The male flowers are dark red and the female ones are greenish in color. The rarely present berrylike fruit is red to black and forms on dense spikes. Human Uses: The P. lentiscus is highly valued for its “gum” or mastic. The mastic is used to make perfumes (Grasse is one popular brand), chewing gum, pharmaceuticals, dental adhesives, and varnishes for protecting pictures. The pleasantly fragrant shoots are cut and sold in the spring separately or as a part of bouquets.