Pistacia chinensis Seeds | Chinese Pistache
LATIN NAME: Pistacia chinensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Pistache
Plant Profile
Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is a spreading tree in the cashew family, native to China and the philippines, it is dioecious, with separate male and female trees. Autumn colour lights up tree, and it grows into broad, sturdy form. It stands heat, drought, and city air well. It likes sun, and well-drained soil. Bees find the flowers quickly, and that pollinator traffic is a garden benefit in its own right. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the cashew family, Pistacia chinensis is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. In cashew family, pistache trees have a recognised place in studies of tough street trees, and chinensis species appears in research on autumn pigment chemistry and urban heat and drought tolerance. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Chinese Pistache brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In warm city garden and the street, the Chinese pistache bunches red fruits and flames the autumn. Pinnate leaves turn vivid orange and scarlet, fruits feed birds through winter, and broad, sturdy crown gives deep shade. It stands heat, drought and city air well and grows in well-drained, sunny ground. 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
Sow fresh seed of Chinese Pistache under ordinary good conditions. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Chinese Pistache is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Keep the sowing evenly moist at the start — that is the one real requirement.
Related Reading
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