Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus)
Lentisk, or mastic tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree from the cashew family, prized for its aromatic resin. It typically grows 6 to 16 feet (1.8 to 4.9 meters) tall. The leaves are leathery, pinnate, and dark green, offering a glossy appearance. Its stems are woody, branching into a dense, rounded canopy. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in early spring, followed by red drupes that turn black when mature.
Native to the Mediterranean region, lentisk thrives in dry, rocky soils and full sun. It is drought-resistant and commonly found in maquis shrubland and coastal areas. The resin, known as mastic, has been harvested for centuries for use in chewing gum, culinary flavoring, and traditional medicine. Lentisk is also valued for its ornamental use and soil stabilization in erosion-prone areas.
Scientific Classification of Lentisk
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Rosids |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Pistacia |
| Scientific Name | Pistacia lentiscus |
Quick Information
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub or small tree |
| Identification | Height: 6 to 16 feet (1.8 to 4.9 meters) Leaves: Leathery, pinnate, dark green, glossy Stem: Woody and branching Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, blooming in early spring Fruits: Red drupes turning black at maturity Roots: Deep and extensive Growth Habit: Dense, rounded canopy |
| Distribution | Native to the Mediterranean region |
| Habitat | Dry, rocky soils, maquis shrubland, coastal areas |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | Zones 8–10 |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
| Growing Conditions | Sunlight: Full sun Soil: Well-drained, rocky, sandy Water: Low; highly drought-tolerant |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Diseases | Resistant to most diseases |
| Pests | Minimal pest issues |
| Reproductive System | Dioecious; produces male and female flowers on separate plants |
| Propagation | Seeds, cuttings |
| Wildlife Value | Provides food and shelter for birds and insects |
| Uses | Resin (mastic) for chewing gum, culinary flavoring, traditional medicine, ornamental use, erosion control |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not Evaluated |
