Pistacia lentiscus

A very common element of the Mediterranean flora, the Mastic tree is normally seen as a medium-sized dense, evergreen, aromatic shrub with attractive leathery pinnate foliage; the leaflets attached to a winged rachis. Particularly tolerant of coastal conditions, salt spray and highly drought resistant, this deserves wider planting, especially considering climate change. Mastic gum is widely used culinarily and medicinally. Not tolerant of extreme cold, but surprisingly hardy nonetheless.