Mediterranean bonsai

These are typical Mediterranean trees, they live better outside because they need both the sun and the cold to produce fruit. Most are grown in our fields in Tarragona, the most representatives are: olives, citrus and apple.

Pistacia lentiscus

Family

Anacardiaceae

Origin

Mediterranean

Etymology

Pistacia in Persian, “pistah” is the name of the pistachio, lentiscus is the common name of the plant..

Pistacia lentiscus

Characteristics

Evergreen bush up to 5m in height. Alternate leaves composed of 4 to 10 leaves. It is has male and female flowers. Its frutis are red berries up to 4mm in diametre.


Location

Outside in full sun


Watering

Mediterranean plant, needs little water.


Fertilization

Spring and autumn.

Re-potting

Every 2-3 years when new shoots appear in spring.

Substrate

Akadama 100% or mixed with volcanic ash (30% ). It has few specific soil requirements.


Pruning and pinching

Pruning

Structural pruning in winter or during the growing season. Heal the wounds..

Pinching

Remove leaflets rather than leaves. If the tree is big remove whole leaves once they are fully developed.

Wiring

Spring and autumn.


Curiosities

The resin from this plant is used in cosmetics. A close relative is the pistachio plant.


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Pistacia lentiscus

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