Pistacia chinensis
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Pistacia chinensis, the Chinese pistache[1] (Template:Zh), is a small to medium-sized tree in the genus Pistacia in the cashew family Anacardiaceae, native to central and western China.[2] This species is planted as a street tree in temperate areas worldwide due to its attractive fruit and autumn foliage.
Description
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It is hardy, can withstand harsh conditions and poor quality soils, and grows up to Script error: No such module "convert".. The leaves are deciduous, alternate, pinnate, 20–25 cm long, with 10 or 12 leaflets, the terminal leaflet usually absent. The flowers are produced in panicles Script error: No such module "convert". long at the ends of the branches; it is dioecious, with separate male and female plants.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
The fruit is a small red drupe, turning blue when ripe, containing a single seed.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Taxonomy
Synonyms include: Pistacia formosana Matsumura; P. philippinensis Merrill & Rolfe; Rhus argyi H. Léveillé; R. gummifera H. Léveillé.[2]
Some botanists merge Pistacia integerrima into this species as the subspecies P. chinensis ssp. integerrima, with the plants considered here then becoming the subspecies P. chinensis ssp. chinensis.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Distribution and habitat
Its native range is on hill and mountain forests on rocky soils at Script error: No such module "convert". above sea level. It is found in Mainland China (excluding the far north and the far west) and Taiwan.[2]
Ecology
Chinese pistache grows best in full sun, being intolerant of shade; it is the most frost-tolerant species of Pistacia, tolerating temperatures down to about -25 °C, yet it is most highly regarded in warm climates. It is planted for its impressive fall colors, which develop at least as far south as Orlando, Florida.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Uses
It is a popular choice for street trees in urban settings because it is very drought tolerant and can survive harsh environments. It is also used as an understock for Pistacia vera.[3] In China, the oil from the seeds is used for biodiesel production. The wood is used for production of furniture, and yields a yellow dye.[2]
It is also used in classical Chinese garden design.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Gallery
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The young leaves are edible and can be used in tea manufacturing.
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Lobular opposite or nearly opposite
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The fruit turns blue when ripe.
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Tree and street trees
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The bark peels off in a scaly shape.
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Branches and leaves
References
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Further reading
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