Common Name:

General Information

Pistacia khinjuk is a deciduous shrub or a tree, usually growing 2 - 5 metres tall, occasionally reaching 10 metres[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.
Pistacia khinjuk is a widespread species across temperate and tropical Asia that is common in parts of its range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

N. Africa - Egypt; Asia - Turkey to Saudi Arabia, east to Tajikistan, Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, northern India and Nepal

Habitat

Forests, or as solitary stands, growing on rocky (often steep) limestone slopes, sandy loam, and granite; at elevations from 400 - 2,400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Pistacia species generally grow best in a sunny position in a deep, well-drained soil preferably of a light texture[].

Edible Uses

A mastic obtained from the bark has been used as flavouring for a locally produced spirit (Araq) commonly known as mastaki[].

The seeds are edible[]. Eaten roasted[].

The red berries are edible[]. Another report says that the fruits are bitter and cannot be eaten[]. The red fruits are around 8mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

A resin obtained from the bark is used in the treatment of stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness[].
An exudate secreted from the plant stems is used as a therapy for treatment of burns and stomach ulcers[]. This report almost certainly refers to the gum resin obtained from the bark[].

The fruits (this report is likely to be referring more specifically to the seed[]) are said to be aphrodisiac[]. They are also used in the treatment of liver, kidney, heart, and respiratory system disorders[].

Other Uses

A resin is obtained from the bark of this species. It is very similar to the resin known as 'mastic' that is obtained from Pistacia lentiscus, differing mainly in being somewhat darker. It has the same potential uses[].

Pistacia khinjuk is a secondary genetic relative of cultivated Pistachio (Pistacia vera) and so it has the potential for use as a gene donor for crop improvement; it has also been used as rootstock and graftstock. This species also has a moderate resistance to root-knot nematodes[, ].

The full mature fruits are used for making neckaces[].

An oil obtained from the seed is used for lighting[].

Galls are produced on the plant as a result of insect activity. These can contain up to 75% tannic acid and can be used for tanning and dyeing. They give a blue-black colour when ferric chloride is used as a mordant[].

The wood is used for timber[]. When sufficiently large pieces of wood are available, it can be used for making furniture, carvings and ornamental work[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

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.