Pistacia weinmannifolia Seeds | Yunnan Pistache
LATIN NAME: Pistacia weinmannifolia
COMMON NAME: Yunnan Pistache
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Yunnan Pistache (Pistacia weinmannifolia) is a tree in the cashew family. The Yunnan pistache is a small, neat tree of warm hillsides, and autumn sets its leaves on fire. Small, evergreen or semi-evergreen tree carries pinnate, glossy leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, to be followed by small, round fruits that redden and darken through the season. Tree is a fine, tidy presence of warm garden, courtyard and avenue, and it is one of easy, handsome small trees of warm world. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the cashew family, Pistacia weinmannifolia draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
Yunnan Pistache works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. The Yunnan pistache is a fine, tidy tree of warm garden and the courtyard. Pinnate, glossy leaves hold tree neat through year, and small, round fruits redden and darken through season, one of fine details of warm garden. In later seasons it demands little more than an appreciative eye.
Pistachios are a heart-smart nut rich in protein, lutein and potassium; the mastic relative yields the famous chewing resin of Chios, studied for digestive and oral health.
Growing from Seed
Raising Yunnan Pistache from seed is straightforward. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Among the Pistacia group, it is one of the more distinctive species in cultivation. It is a solid representative of the Pistacia group, true to type from seed. Beginners will find it patient of imperfect technique.
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