Care of the shrub Pistacia lentiscus or Lentisk |
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The genus Pistacia, family Anacardiaceae, comprises 10 species of trees and shrubs native to the Mediterranean region, the Canary Islands, central Asia, Mexico and the southern United States. Some species are: Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia terebinthus, Pistacia chinensis, Pistacia mexicana, Pistacia vera, Pistacia atlantica. Common names: Lentisk, Mastic tree. This species is native to the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. They are dioecious evergreen shrubs of matted bearing (sometimes arboreal) that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The lustrous, dark green leaves are composed of 6-12 lanceolate leaflets. The flowers appear in axillary spikes and are small and red in color. They bloom in spring. The decorative fruits are round red drupes that turn black when ripe. They are used to form hedges, bushy groups and as isolated specimens. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Pistacia lentiscus needs full sun exposure and a warm (Mediterranean) climate. They resist occasional frosts down to -6 ºC (21.2 ºF). They grow in any well-drained soil, even dry and poor soils. Planting is done in autumn or spring. They do not need pruning or fertilizers. They are very resistant to drought plants that need spaced watering. These easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plants are resistant to common pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the shrub Pistacia lentiscus or Lentisk |
 Pistacia lentiscus  Pistacia lentiscus  Pistacia lentiscus  Pistacia lentiscus  Pistacia lentiscus  Pistacia lentiscus |