Pistacia chinensis integerrima

Physical Characteristics

Pistacia chinensis integerrima is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - W. Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: The fruit is used to impart a flavour to plant milks[183]. The following two uses have been given for the closely related P. chinensis and not for this species, but it is assumed that they do apply here also. Young shoots and leaves - cooked. Used as a vegetable[11, 46, 182, 183]. Seed - roasted and eaten or used in confectionery[105, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery Expectorant Miscellany Tonic Galls, produced on the tree in response to attacks by insects, are expectorant and tonic[240]. They are used in the treatment of coughs, phthisis, asthma, dysentery etc[240]. Resin from the closely related P. lentiscus is analgesic, antitussive, expectorant and sedative. It would be worthwhile examining this species[218].

Known Hazards

None known