Pistacia lentiscus
The species name means “flexible” or “sticky,” referring to the gum (mastic) the tree is valued for.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.
Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Non-native
Origin: Mediteranean region
Family: Anacardiaceae
Size: 25′
Sun: Full
Watering: Low once established
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Tolerant, doesn’t like caliche
Temperature: Tolerant
Pruning: Mastic tree is pruned and trained in many different ways depending on the intention of landscape use. For example, if the intent is to use mastic tree as a standard or multi-trunk small landscape tree, then it will demand much time to train into an upright arborescent habit and afterwards to maintain that habit of appearance over time.
Disease and Pests:
Uses: Nesting habitat for birds
Notes: Stems and branches are amazingly limber and flexible. Flowers are inconspicuous.
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