Pistacia lentiscus

Scientific description

Scientific name: Pistacia lentiscus
Kingdom: Plantae
Plant species: Magnoliophyta (Magnoliophyta)
Order: Dicotyledons (Magnoliopsida), Sapindales
Suborder: Rosidae
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Pistacia

Origin:
Mediterranean. The chia variety (P. lentiscus var. chia) thrives only in Chios and yields the famous mastic.

Ecology:
Grows successfully in a variety of soils, especially sandy or loamy, well-drained. Adapted to dry and poor soils.

Description:
Evergreen shrub/tree, width 6–9 m. Dense attractive foliage with small green leaflets, leathery texture, aromatic. Leaves compound, alternate, pinnate, lanceolate, sessile, deep green. Male and female flowers on separate plants; decorative fruits, pale red-pink turning glossy black.

Propagation:
Clonally via hardwood cuttings; thick branches collected from mature trees and planted in prepared aerated holes a year in advance.

Use:
Suitable for hedges, natural borders, loose Mediterranean gardens, low-maintenance or dry gardens. Fruits edible, aromatic, slightly sweet, used for flavoring food and sausages. Resin harvested for medicinal purposes: bronchial diseases, cough, diarrhea, skin ailments, stones, and stomach ulcers.

Creative writing inspired by Pistacia lentiscus

Pistacia lentiscus — The Legend of the Mastic Tree

Long ago, on the ancient island of Chios, there lived a young shepherd named Lentis. Lentis was known for his wisdom and gentleness, spending his days caring for animals and speaking with the trees and plants. One of his favorite plants was the mastic tree, a humble tree that thrived on the arid hills of the island.

One day, the goddess Hera, jealous of the harmony Lentis had with nature, decided to test him. She disguised herself as an old woman and approached him, begging for some shade beneath his trees. Without hesitation, Lentis offered her shelter under the branches of the mastic tree.

However, Hera challenged him: “Do you believe that this humble tree can provide real protection?”

Lentis replied, “This tree may be small and unassuming, but it offers more than it appears. Its branches and resin are gifts from the earth.”

Impressed by his humility and wisdom, Hera revealed her true form and blessed the mastic tree. From that moment on, the tree began to produce an aromatic resin, known as mastic, which became highly prized by humans. This resin was used for making medicines and cosmetics, giving the tree a place of honor in nature.

Lentis became a legend, and his name was forever tied to the mastic tree and its magical resin, which is still considered one of nature's most precious gifts today.

3D Interactive View

Authentic Specimen