Pistachio, Pistachio Nut

Pistacia vera

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Basic Information

Family: Pistaciaceae

Genus: pistacia

Plant ID (slug): pistacia-vera

Numeric ID: 23147

USDA Hardiness: 7-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Pistacia vera is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. 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).. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

W. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Oil Seed - raw or cooked[2, 46, 61, 74]. The seed is rich in oil and has a pleasant mild flavour[2]. It is very nice when eaten raw and is also widely used in confectionery, ice cream, cakes, pies etc[183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed but is not produced commercially due to the high price of the seed[183]. The fruits can be made into a flavourful marmalade[183].

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery Miscellany Sedative Tonic The plant is used in China for the treatment of abdominal ailments, abscesses, amenorrhoea, bruises, chest ailments, circulation, dysentery, gynecopathy, pruritus, rheumatism, sclerosis of the liver, sores and trauma[218]. The seed is said to be sedative and tonic[240].