Pistacia lentiscus - Mastic Tree

Pistacia lentiscus is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region. Commonly known as the Mastic tree, it is famously cultivated for its aromatic resin which is used as a natural breath freshener. Young stems are red in colour, turning grey as they mature. The leaves are small and olive green. Small flowers are green and bloom in springtime, followed by red berries in autumn. The mastic tree should be grown in full sun and is extremely tolerant of poor, dry soils as well as coastal conditions.