Pistacia chinensis aka Chinese Pistache

Taxonomy

Pistacia chinensis, also known as the Chinese pistache or Chinese pistachio, is a small to medium-sized tree in the cashew family. Native to central and western China, this half-hardy deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 25m in its native range, although it is often smaller when cultivated. The tree features pinnate leaves divided into glossy, toothed, dark green leaflets that transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow during autumn. Fragrant red flowers bloom in mid to late spring, followed by small round reddish fruits that mature to blue on female plants if pollinated. The Chinese pistache is widely planted as a street tree in temperate areas around the world due to its attractive fruit and autumn foliage. A sturdy tree, it can withstand harsh conditions and various soil types, thanks to its durable wood that helps repel insects and diseases.

Common names

Chinese Pistache, Chinese Pistachio

How to care for Chinese Pistache

Difficulty

Chinese Pistache requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Chinese Pistache should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

The Chinese Pistache is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Chinese Pistache requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Chinese Pistache will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Chinese Pistache to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Chinese Pistache should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Chinese Pistache’s native range is E. Asia - China.


More info:
Wikipedia