Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Pistacia lentiscus
Mastic Tree
The Pistacia lentiscus, commonly known as the Mastic Tree or Lentisk, is a dense evergreen shrub of the Mediterranean basin, forming a rounded mass of glossy, leathery, pinnate leaves with a resinous scent when crushed. Small reddish flower spikes are followed by berries ripening from red to black.
It is a foundation species of Mediterranean scrub and one of the most reliable evergreen screening shrubs for hot, dry, alkaline sites. It clips well, takes coastal exposure and can be lifted into a small multi-stemmed tree where more height is wanted.
Specifications
- Height2 to 4 metres as a shrub, occasionally to 6 metres when lifted to a small tree
- Width2 to 4 metres
- Native toThe Mediterranean basin, from Portugal and Morocco east to the Levant
- FoliageGlossy dark green leathery pinnate leaves, aromatic and resinous when crushed; evergreen
- Growth rateSlow to moderate
Conditions
- SoilPrefers well-drained sandy, gravelly or rocky soils; tolerates poor, shallow and strongly alkaline ground
- LightFull sun to partial shade
- WaterLow; strongly drought-tolerant once established
- ClimateThrives in Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid regions with hot dry summers; tolerates light frost
Additional Features
- FormDense rounded evergreen mass, holding foliage to ground level and clipping well into hedges
- FlowersSmall dense reddish flower spikes in spring, followed by berries ripening red to black
- UsesEvergreen screening and hedging, Mediterranean and dryland shrub mass, coastal shelter planting, car park and median beds
- SpacingPlant 1.5 to 2 metres apart for a clipped hedge, or 2.5 to 3 metres for informal mass planting
- Low MaintenanceClips readily and regenerates from old wood; no routine feeding or spraying required
- Pest ResistanceNotably resistant to pests and diseases, one of the toughest evergreens in its range
- Drought ToleranceVery high once established, surviving long dry summers on natural rainfall in its native range
- Salt ToleranceTolerates coastal salt wind and moderately saline soils
- Wildlife AttractionBerries are taken heavily by birds through autumn and winter
- FragranceFoliage and resin carry the characteristic mastic scent when crushed or pruned
The Mastic Tree is the dependable evergreen backbone of a Mediterranean or Gulf dryland shrub scheme, and it will take clipping, salt and drought without complaint.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026