Pistacia palaestina

It originates from the Mediterranean Basin, and in Israel it is considered to be a woodland plant. It flowers at the end of winter and spring, March–April. Like Pistacia species, this is a dioecious plant, meaning there are male and female trees. Only the females bear fruit. (The males sometimes bear a suit of fruit that has no horticultural importance, and of course it has no role in the propagation process.) That means that male trees can be used as street trees without fruit that sullies sidewalks and causes slippages or that attracts birds. Ripe fruits with developed seeds will be bluish in color, while ripe fruits with undeveloped seeds will be red. Interestingly, its ripe fruit is sold in spice shops in the market of Jerusalem’s Old City and are used as a spice for cookies. This is a deciduous tree of a medium size with a tendency to be shrub-like. An adult tree will reach a height of about 10 meters, and the round canopy will reach a diameter of about 7 meters. It is known as one of the most beautiful woodland trees in Israel, and it can be frequently be found alongside Quercus calliprinos here. Pistacia palaestina, like other species of this genus, has spectacular developing foliage whose fall display turns orange to bright red. Its lifespan can be hundreds of years. This is in part thanks to the multitude of properties that contribute to its durability: deciduousness, very slow growth, strength and resistance to weather hazards and pests. There are specimens in nature that have even managed to regenerate on their own after felling, fires and extensive eating by animals. Due to the tree’s resistance to cold and frost, it is also suitable for high mountain areas. It can be grown in all parts of the country, in most kinds of soil, except for saline soil. To prevent a shrub-like appearance with multiple trunks, make sure when designing it in its early years to raise the crown while removing offshoots from the base. Regular watering in the early years will accelerate its growth rate, which is naturally very slow.

Others in the same family: Pistacia atlantica » | Pistacia palaestina » | Pistacia chinensis » | Pistacia lentiscus »