Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)

The Mastic is a shrub or tree with a dense network of branches. Its bark produces mastic resin, which is not only used for medicinal purposes, but also to flavour wine (retsina) or schnaps. Mastic resin is produced on the island Chios in particular.
Appearance

Appearance

 

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Autumn

Autumn

 

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Leaves

Leaves

Evergreen, lanceolate or elliptic leaves. Upper side: green. Alternate even pinnate. Size: 1 to 3 cm long, 0.5 to 1.5 cm wide.

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Fruits

Fruits

Red or black, approx. 4 mm long decorative stone fruits with a spicy taste.

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Bark

Bark

Greyish bark, reddish in colour on younger branches.

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Photos

Related

Application
Garrigue, macchia vegetation, open country, public areas, container plants, private gardens, front gardens
Native regions
Mediterranean regions, Turkey, Canary Islands
Location parameters
Light: full sun to slightly sunny; soil: slightly dry to fresh; stagnant moisture: to be avoided; soil structure: firm to loose; soil depth: shallow to very deep; humus concentration: low to high, pH value: slightly acid to highly alkaline; nutrient concentration: low to high; soil: slightly dry to fresh.
Demands
Urban climate: resistant; does not tolerate stagnant moisture and compaction.
Growth
Height of growth: 1 to 8 m. Spread: 2 to 8 m. Umbrella-like or broad-crowned shrub.
Leaves
Evergreen, lanceolate or elliptic leaves. Upper side: green. Alternate even pinnate. Size: 1 to 3 cm long, 0.5 to 1.5 cm wide.
Flowers
Flowering period: II to IV. Small, yellowish-green flower spikes with a mild fragrance. Male flowers with dark red stamen.
Fruits
Red or black, approx. 4 mm long decorative stone fruits with a spicy taste.
Bark
Greyish bark, reddish in colour on younger branches.

 

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