Common Name: Chinese Pistache

General Information

Pistacia chinensis is a deciduous tree with a semi-open, rounded canopy that becomes more spreading with age, it usually grows from 4 - 20 metres tall, occasionally reaching 26 metres. The bole, which is sometimes buttressed, can be 100cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, dye and timber. It is cultivated in plantations for its timber and is often grown as an ornamental and shade tree, being valued especially for its crimson leaf colour in the autumn[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, Taiwan, Philippines.

Habitat

Riversides and in cultivated areas up to 2,400 metres in the Himalayas[]. Forest on stone hills; at elevations from 140 - 3,550 metres in southern and western China[]. Open slopes from near sea level to 1,350 metres in the Philippines[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	9.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Pistacia chinensis is a plant of the warm temperate to tropical zones. It tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c when fully dormant[]. The tree is likely to be somewhat more cold tolerant than this in areas with hot summers that fully ripen the current season's growth[].
Grows best in a sunny position, tolerating light shade[, ]. Succeeds in an ordinary loamy soil and in dry soils[, ]. Often found on limestone soils in the wild[]. Plants are tolerant of urban pollution[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Any pruning that needs to be done is best carried out in the spring[].
The fruits, at least in the Philippines, are often empty with only an undeveloped ovule. This is apparently due to the failure of pollination[].
This species strongly resents being transplanted[], it should be planted out into its permanent position as young as possible and given some protection from winter cold for its first few winters outdoors.
A dioecious species, both male and female forms must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

Young shoots and leaves - cooked. Used as a vegetable[, , , ].

Seed - cooked. It is roasted and then eaten, or is used in confectionery[, ].
The seed is a source of an edible oil[].

Medicinal

All parts of the plant can be used medicinally to treat a range of conditions including dysentery, inflammatory swelling, psoriasis and rheumatism[].

Resin from the related Pistacia lentiscus is analgesic, antitussive, expectorant and sedative. It would be worthwhile examining the resin obtained from this species[].

Other Uses

The plant can be used as a rootstock for the pistachio nut, Pistacia vera[, ].

A yellow dye can be obtained from the wood[].

The leaves contain around 14.5% tannins[].
Galls produced as a result of insect activity on the tree contain around 20 - 30% tannins[].

An oil obtained from the fruit and seed has a high potential for use as a biodiesel[].

The wood is hard and very durable. An attractive wood, it is used in furniture making and carpentry[, , ]. It is used in the Philippines for making tobacco pipes[].

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 16 hours in alkalized water[], or for 3 - 4 days in warm water[], and sow late winter in a cold frame or greenhouse[, ]. Two months cold stratification may speed up germination, so it might be better to sow the seed in early winter[]. The germination is variable and can be slow. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on the plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving some protection from winter cold for their first year or two outdoors[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood from juvenile trees, July in a frame[].
Layering.