Mastic tree

Profile

Family

Anacardiaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

4 m

Spread

3 m

Growth

very slow

Lifespan

90 years

First yield

after 6 years

Hardiness

zone 9–11

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

6.5 – 8.5

Synonyms

Mastiche

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Durch Einschnitte in die Rinde des Baumstamms, jedoch nicht in das Holz, wird ein süßes, nach Lakritz schmeckendes Harz namens „Mastix“ gewonnen. Der Geruch ist angenehm, der Geschmack mild und harzig. Beim Kauen wird das Harz weich und kann so leicht zerkaut werden. Es wird gekaut, um das Zahnfleisch zu stärken und den Atem zu verbessern. Es wird auch als Aromastoff in Puddings, Süßigkeiten (einschließlich „Türkischem Honig“), Kuchen usw. verwendet. verwendet. verwendet . Es ist auch die Grundlage einer griechischen Süßware namens „Masticha“ und eines Likörs namens „Mastiche“. Aus den Samen wird ein Speiseöl gewonnen.

Medicinal: Mastic was once commonly used in herbal medicine, with the resin obtained from the tree (see below for more details) being utilized. In modern herbal medicine, it is rarely used, although it can be used as an expectorant for bronchial issues and coughs, as well as for treating diarrhea. The resin has analgesic, antitussive, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, dental, sedative, and stimulant properties. It is mixed with other substances and used as a temporary filling for decayed teeth. Internally, it is used to treat diarrhea in children, and externally for boils, ulcers, ringworm, and muscle stiffness.

Other uses: The resin, known as "mastic," is harvested from incisions in the bark (not the trunk) of the tree during late summer to autumn. It can be dried and used as a powder or distilled into oil and essence. The resin is utilized in high-quality varnishes, as a fixative in perfumes, toothpaste, adhesives (especially for fake beards), embalming, and temporary dental fillings, among other applications. It is also used to seal the edges of microscope slides and chewed to preserve teeth and gums. The oil extracted from the seeds is employed for lighting purposes, soap making, etc. The leaves contain up to 19% tannin and are frequently used as an adulterant for sumac (Rhus coriaria).

Growing

Landscaping and gardening: flower beds, pots, erosion control, privacy screens, individual plants. Thrives in any regular garden soil and prefers a warm, dry location in full sun. Prefers well-draining to dry, sandy or rocky, alkaline soil. This species is not very winter-hardy. It usually requires the protection of a south-facing wall but can also thrive in warmer, drier locations in milder regions. The mastic tree is cultivated in Southern Europe for its resin. It is a highly variable plant, with a form of broad leaves that yield the best resin. Likely needing long, hot, and dry summers to produce resin, it is probably not very common in the country. Any necessary pruning is best done in spring. For seed production, both male and female plants need to be grown. Special features: Not native to North America, inconspicuous flowers.

Propagation

Soak the seeds in alkalized water for 16 hours or in warm water for 3-4 days before sowing them in late winter in a cold frame or greenhouse. A two-month cold stratification can speed up germination, so it's preferable to sow the seeds in early winter. Germination may vary and be slow. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough, and let them grow on the plants in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant them in their final location in early summer and provide some protection from winter cold outdoors for the first one to two years. Take semi-hardwood cuttings from young trees in July in a frame. Layering.

Origin & habitat

Europe - Mediterranean.

Offene Wälder und Buschland an trockenen Hängen, meist in Küstennähe.

Related plants