PISTACIA LENTISCUS

Botanical Name: Pistacia lentiscus
Common Names: Mastic Tree, Lentisk, Lentisco
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, and calcareous substrates
Water Needs: Very low; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Evergreen shrub with dense, leathery, dark green leaves and aromatic resin
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous reddish flowers in spring, followed by red to black berries
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Pistacia lentiscus is admired for its dense evergreen foliage and adaptability, perfect for Mediterranean gardens, hedges, and coastal landscaping.

Xeriscaping:
An excellent choice for low-water gardens, it thrives in dry, sunny environments with minimal care.

Aromatic Plant:
Its resin, known as mastic, is valued for culinary and traditional uses.

Benefits:

Extreme Drought Tolerance: Grows well in hot, arid conditions with little or no irrigation.

Low Maintenance: Hardy, pest-resistant, and long-lived; requires minimal pruning.

Ecological Contribution: Provides shelter and berries for birds and wildlife.

Evergreen Structure: Maintains its compact and lush form year-round.

Coastal Resistant: Tolerates salt spray, making it ideal for seaside landscapes.

Pistacia lentiscus is a robust, evergreen Mediterranean shrub that brings texture, aroma, and resilience to arid and coastal landscapes. Its low maintenance and elegant form make it perfect for sustainable and traditional garden designs.