The Atlantic pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) is also called mastic tree or terebinth and is native to Eurasia, widespread in the Mediterranean region, although not very common. The tree, which tends to remain small, usually grows to a height of only 5 meters, rarely reaching 8-10 meters, and has more the appearance of a large shrub than that of a tree. Unlike the well-known fruit of the true pistachio tree, this species has rather small and oil-rich red fruits, which are used to extract oil and turpentine balsam from. The resin of the pistachio can be used as a varnish or glue, but today it has no commercial importance. Rootstocks of this species are often grafted with scions of the true pistachio, which then bear the 2-3 cm edible fruits. The wood of the Atlantic pistachio is very hard, durable, and was so highly prized for its good qualities in ancient times that large stocks were often destroyed by ruthless overexpoitation.
