General: The wild pistachio, also known as the mastic bush, is widespread in southern Europe and North Africa. The plant mostly grows here as a shrub, but also as a small tree and, together with other plant species, often forms the typical vegetation on succession areas (macchia). The plant is accordingly robust and assertive in very warm and dry locations. The leaves are leathery, evergreen and pinnate in pairs. The plant is separate sexes and flowers inconspicuously between March and June. The female specimens then form small red fruits that later turn black. For many centuries, a special resin (mastic) has been extracted from wild pistachios, which is used in a variety of ways.
Care as a bonsai: Wild pistachios are popular indoor bonsai due to their attractive leaves, bizarre growth and bark that grows old when they grow older. The plants are very pruning and branch out well. However, the shoots sometimes develop with longer internodes and should be wired accordingly if necessary. The wild pistachio should stand as light as possible and be poured regularly after the substrate has dried. Waterlogging should be avoided at all times. In summer it can also be put outside. In winter a cool place with a temperature of around 10 ° C is enough.
