Pistacia lentiscus aka Lentisk

Taxonomy

Pistacia lentiscus, also known as lentisk or mastic, is a dioecious evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean Basin. It can grow up to 4 meters tall and is primarily cultivated for its aromatic resin. The plant has pinnate, leathery green leaves that are divided into up to 7 pairs of leaflets. It produces small flowers in late spring and early summer, with male plants having reddish flowers in dense clusters and female plants having looser clusters of brownish green flowers. If pollinated, the plant produces small round reddish fruits that eventually ripen to black. Pistacia lentiscus is resilient to heavy frosts and can thrive in various soil types, including limestone and saline environments. It is often found in dry and rocky areas, as well as woodlands. In some cases, it can grow into a tree of up to 7 meters in height, but factors such as logging, grazing, and fires often restrict its growth. The leaves are alternate, leathery, and compound paripinnate, while the fruit is a small drupe that starts off red and turns black when ripe, measuring approximately 4 mm in diameter.

Common names

Lentisk, Mastic, Chios Mastictree

How to care for Lentisk

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Lentisk is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Soil

To ensure the health of your Lentisk, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Lentisk thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Chios Mastictree.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Lentisk is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Lentisk’s native range is Europe - Mediterranean.


More info:
Wikipedia