Explore Pistacia terebinthus (Terebinth) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Pistacia terebinthus | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Terebinth, Turpentine Tree
Family: Anacardiaceae
Appearance: A deciduous shrub or small tree with compound leaves, small red flowers, and small, drupe-like fruits.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Shrub/Small Tree
Root System: Features a deep taproot system
Height: Up to 10 meters
Width: Approximately 4 meters
Lifespan: Can live for several decades
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Not self-fertile
Flowers: Dioecious (separate male and female plants)
Pollinator: Wind-pollinated
Toxicity: Not known hazards
Pistacia terebinthus | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Companionship: Often found with other Mediterranean shrubs and trees
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or rocky soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Require cold stratification
Cuttings: Yes, typically hardwood cuttings
Pistacia terebinthus | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: The fruits can be used to produce an edible oil, and the young shoots can be consumed as a vegetable
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
Cosmetics: Resin (terebinth) used in perfumes and skincare products
Animal Feed: The leaves and fruits can be used as fodder for livestock
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: The wood is used for small crafts and fuel
Firewood: Can be used as firewood
Wind Break: Can serve as a windbreak due to its dense growth
Fence: Can be used as a natural barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts various pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects and small animals
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