Some authorities view this plant as no more than a subspecies of Pistacia chinensis, as Pistacia chinensis integerrima (J.L.Stewart ex Brandis) Rech.f. (treated here as a synonym).

Common Name:

General Information

Pistacia integerrima is a deciduous tree with a low, dense crown; it can grow up to 25 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild mainly for local medicinal use and various commodities. A popular herbal remedy, it is harvested in large quantities from the wild and is traded in local markets[]. It is occasionally cultivated as a rootstock for Pistacia vera, and much more commonly as an ornamental and shade tree[]. It is much appreciated for its crimson leaf colour in the autumn[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

W. Asia - Afghanistan; E. Asia - Pakistan, northern India, Nepal, Myanmar.

Habitat

Dry slopes and in valleys along rivers, at elevations up to 2,400 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	9.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Pistacia integerrima is a plant of the warm temperate to subtropical zones of Asia, just entering into the tropics in northern Myanmar. It can tolerate some short-lived frosts, possibly to around -5°c[]. It prefers growing in areas with a mean annual rainfall in the region of 1,270mm[].
Requires a sunny position, preferring a deep well-drained light soil[]. Tolerant of heavy clays[]. Moderately drought-resistant, it succeeds in dry, shallow soils. Strongly dislikes acid soils[].
The plant has a deep rooting system and is very wind-firm[].
Plants are prone to fungal root rots[].
The tree can be pollarded, but does not regenerate well after fire[].
Any pruning that needs to be done is best carried out in the spring[].
This species hybridizes with Pistacua atlantica[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

The fruit is used to impart a flavour to plant milks[].

The following two uses have been given for the closely related Pistacia chinensis and not for this species, but it is assumed that they do apply here also.

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

Seed - roasted and eaten or used in confectionery[, ].

Medicinal

Pistacia integerrima ia a commonly used traditional medicine in Pakistan and northern India, where it is used in the treatment of a range of common remedies[].

The galls produced as a result of insect damage are bitter in taste and aromatic. They are used for their expectorant and tonic properties. The roasted galls are taken with honey for the treatment of coughs, phthisis, asthma, dysentery and diarrhoea. The galls are also used as a treatment against hepatitis and other liver disorders[, ].
The galls, in combination of other medicines, are also used as a treatment against snake bites and scorpion stings[].

A decoction of the bark is used in the treatment of jaundice and hepatitis[].

A resin obtained from the stems is applied topically to help wounds healing[].
The resin obtained from the closely related Pistacia lentiscus is analgesic, antitussive, expectorant and sedative. It would be worthwhile examining this species[].

Fruits are edible and also used as a treatment against liver disorders[].

The compounds pistacigerrimones C and D found in the plant have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is important in river bank stabilization and soil conservation[]. It can be planted in wasteland reforestation programmes, is used for improved fallows and the leaves are used as green manure[].

Other Uses

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

The leaf galls (produced as a result of insect activity on the plant) contain 20 - 75% tannin. They are used for tanning and dyeing[].
A dyestuff is obtained from insect galls, the bark and the leaves[].

An essential oil is obtained by steam-distillation. (Part of the plant used is not specified[]) It contains alpha -pinene (25%.), camphene (27%.), di-limonene (4-5%), 1:8-cineol (10%.), alpha -terpineol (20%.), and aromadendrene (4-5 per cent.); also a small percentage of a lactonic stearoptene[].

The leaf galls contain about 5% resin, which is used as mastic (Bombay mastic)[].

The brown wood is beautifully mottled with yellow and dark veins. It is fine and even grained, very hard, durable and takes a fine polish. Beautifully marked, it is one of the most handsome woods of the northwest Himalayas and is used in construction, furniture making, musical instruments, turnery, inlay work, veneers, carving etc[, , , ].
The wood is used for fuel and for making charcoal[].

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.