Pistacia lentiscus

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Pistacia lentiscus, commonly called mastic or lentisk, is an evergreen shrub or small tree from the Mediterranean. It can grow up to about 4 meters tall, sometimes taller if conditions are ideal, and it keeps its leaves all year round. The leaves are leathery with several pairs of leaflets. The plant has separate male and female individuals, and its tiny flowers are rather inconspicuous. The fruit is a small red drup e that turns black when ripe and is about 4 mm wide; it is edible but tart.

Habitat and distribution
Pistacia lentiscus grows in dry, rocky areas and often near the sea. It tolerates poor soils, including limestone and even salty ground, and can handle mild frosts. It is native to the entire Mediterranean region, from Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula to Turkey and Iran, and it is also found in the Canary Islands. It is a hardy species typical of Mediterranean habitats like maquis and other scrublands, and it often provides food and shelter for wildlife.

Mastic resin
The tree is famous for its aromatic resin, known as mastic, which is harvested mainly from cultivated trees on Greece’s island of Chios and around Çeşme in Turkey. The resin is collected by making small cuts in the bark and letting the sap drip, then it hardens into drops or chips. When chewed, mastic becomes a white gum with a strong, resinous, slightly smoky flavor. It is used as a spice and flavoring, in chewing gum, liqueurs, pastries, cheeses, and breads. In the European Union, Chios mastic has protected designation of origin status.

Relation to other species
Pistacia lentiscus can hybridize with Pistacia terebinthus, and hybrids are hard to distinguish. Generally, mastic tends to occur near the sea, while P. terebinthus is more common inland and in mountains. On some coasts, it can be confused with P. atlantica.

Uses in gardens and conservation
Because of its tough, evergreen look, it is often planted in coastal gardens and resorts. Pistacia lentiscus is listed as Least Concern in conservation status.