PISTACHIO OR MASTIC TREE (Pistachia lentiscus)

 

 

Description

Pistachio or mastic tree (Pistachia lentiscus), which is related to Pistachia vera, can be found throughout the Mediterranean. The trunk of this tree becomes grey and knarled wit age, and the compound pinnate leaves are arranged alternatively. Pistachio has tiny flowers, which grow in clusters, these eventually ripening into black fruits as in Pistachia lentiscus, whereas they are white in the edible Pistachia vera, which contain the edible nut.

Bonsai Requirements

Pistachio needs a well lit, sunny or semi-shaded position, and it does well outside once the last of the spring frost have gone, where they can remain until the autumn frost appear. Indoors they should be provided with a well-lit position, in a window, in a cool room that has no heating. They also do well for having a light misting about twice a day to help maintain humidity.

Soil Mixture

For the pistachio, the soil can be a mixture of 2 parts akadama or John Innes No 3 compost to 1 part of fine gravel. Other combinations can be used but it is important that the soil has good drainage.

Root Pruning

Pistachio will need to be root pruned at least every 2 to 3 years.

Watering

Ordinary tap water is quite acceptable for the Pistachio. The best method is to totally immerse the pot to about 3" above the pot. This will allow any bubbles of air to be displace by the water, and this will totally saturate the soil.

Fertiliser

Feed Pistachio from February through to the autumn with an organic or inorganic bonsai fertiliser, taking care to use the correct dosage.

Bonsai Styles

All styles are possible, although the informal upright is the most common. Like all trees with compound leaves the Pistachio is difficult to prune into a clear style, although the leaves can be shortened. The Pistachio is generally less chaotic if it is allowed to grow large.

Wiring

One year old branches are easy to shape using wire, although older branches because they are more brittle are best shaped using tension wire.

Pruning

The main growth periods for the Pistachio are spring and autumn; at these periods they can regenerate regenerate within three to four weeks of pruning.
Pruning can be undertaken at any time of year, however if any older branches need to be pruned then it is best done between April and June as the wounds will heal remarkably fast during this time. Shoots should be pruned when they are about 6-8" long, cutting back to one or two leaves, taking care to cut at least ½" from the nearest bud so as to prevent it from drying out.

Obtaining Plants

Seed's can be purchased from any good seed supplier, such as Chiltern Seeds. Older plants tend to be available from some bonsai specialist. Cuttings can be taken quite easily, but they may take a long time to take root.