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Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)

Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region, known for its aromatic resin (mastic) and dense foliage.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Drought-tolerant once established, water sparingly.

Soil

Well-drained, tolerant of poor, rocky, and calcareous soils.

Temperature

Hardy, prefers mild winters and hot summers.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Generally not required, use sparingly if needed.

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun to partial shade.

Water

Drought-tolerant once established, water sparingly.

Soil

Well-drained, tolerant of poor, rocky, and calcareous soils.

Temperature

Hardy, prefers mild winters and hot summers.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Generally not required, use sparingly if needed.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Category

Ornamental, Medicinal, Foliage

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

1-5 m

Spread

1-5 m

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf Color

Dark green

Leaf Type

Pinnate

Flower Size

<1 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

75000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AprPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths58
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Apr
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths58
Synonyms
Lentiscus massiliensis Fourr.
Lentiscus vulgaris Fourr.
Pistacia brevifolia Gand.
Pistacia massiliensis Mill.
Pistacia multiflora Gand.
Pistacia subfalcata Gand.
Terebinthus lentiscus (L.) Moench
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderSapindales
  • familyAnacardiaceae
  • genusPistacia
  • speciesPistacia lentiscus
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

No significant toxicity reported. Mastic gum is widely consumed for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Additional Care Tips

Lentisk is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering. During its first year, water regularly to help establish roots, especially in dry periods. Mature plants in Mediterranean climates typically thrive on natural rainfall, needing supplemental water only during prolonged, severe droughts. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Prune Lentisk to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, or control size. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It tolerates hard pruning well, making it suitable for hedging or topiary. For mastic production, specific pruning techniques are used to encourage resin flow.

Lentisk can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or layering. Seeds require stratification for germination. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn root best with the aid of rooting hormone and bottom heat. Air layering can also be successful, offering a reliable method for producing larger plants.

Repotting is generally not applicable for mature, outdoor-grown Lentisk as it is a large shrub or small tree. If grown in a container when young, repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.

FAQs

What is mastic gum and where does it come from?

Mastic gum is an aromatic resin obtained from the Lentisk tree (Pistacia lentiscus), particularly from the variety grown on the Greek island of Chios. It is harvested by making incisions in the bark, allowing the resin to 'bleed' and solidify into tear-shaped droplets.

Is Pistacia lentiscus edible?

Yes, the mastic gum from Pistacia lentiscus is widely consumed and used in various foods, beverages, and traditional medicines. The fruits are also considered edible, though they are astringent and not typically eaten as a primary food source.

How much sun does a Lentisk plant need?

Lentisk thrives in full sun, which promotes denser growth and better fruit production. However, it is also tolerant of partial shade, especially in hotter climates, though growth may be less vigorous.

How often should I water an established Lentisk?

Established Lentisk plants are highly drought-tolerant and require minimal watering. In Mediterranean climates, natural rainfall is often sufficient. Supplemental watering is only necessary during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat to prevent stress.

Can Lentisk be grown in a container?

While Lentisk can be grown in a container when young, it is a large shrub or small tree that will eventually outgrow most pots. For long-term container growth, it would require a very large container and regular root pruning and repotting.