
Mastic tree
Pistacia lentiscus
- Layer 3 · Shrubs
- Attracts pollinators
Status by region
No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.
Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).
Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.
About
Native evergreen shrub of the Mediterranean basin, highly resistant to drought and poor soils. Its leathery leaves release a characteristic resinous aroma, and its extracted resin has a long history of use. In the food forest, it forms an excellent protective hedge and shelter for beneficial wildlife.
See which trees the mastic tree grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Low
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Shrub up to 4 m
- Mature diameter: 3 m
- Soils: Sandy, Loam, Clay, Limestone
- Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean
Calendar
- January
- February — Planting
- March — Planting
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August — Harvest
- September — Harvest
- October — Harvest — Planting
- November — Planting
- December
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: The resin known as mastic is traditionally chewed for oral hygiene and to aid in the treatment of gastric ulcers.
Where to buy
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
See which trees the mastic tree grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
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