PISTACIA lentiscus

Common name: Mastic Tree

Family: Anacardiaceae

Origin: Mediterranean

Description: Leathery evergreen dark green leaves, red fruits ripening black. Aromatic foliage. The sap yields nastic, the fragrant gum used in medicine & dentistry

Uses: As an evergreen shrub for hot, dry locations

Climate/Position: Plant in full sun, will not tolerate frozen conditions, only hardy to 0 degress C

Height/Spread: Up to 3 metres

Soil Requirements: Will grow in poor soils, must be well drained

Pruning: Little or no pruning is required

Special Requirements: Fruits only appear on female plants, dioecious