Chinese Pistache Trees
The Chinese Pistache tree, which is unique to the hillsides of China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, is recognized for its distinctive umbrella form and beautiful flame leaves in the fall. The Chinese pistache tree will tick all the boxes for your xeriscape back, front, or back garden if you’re seeking a low-maintenance tree with attractive features. The Chinese pistache, sometimes known as “The Ugly Duckling of the Gardening World,” is known to be quite a statuary tree. You will have more than enough shade and a beautiful showcase of autumn colors in your area if you grow one. The scientific name of this tree is Pistacia Chinensis. These Chinese Pistache trees are medium to large in size and are recognized as moderately growing plants. Talking about the family of Chinese Pistache, it belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Other than Chinese Pistache, the other names of this tree are Pistacia formosana, Rhus argyi, Pistacia Philippines, and Rhus gummifera.
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Scientific Classification of Chinese Pistache
Chinese Pistache Tree in Summer
The kingdom of Chinese Pistache is Plantae, and the sub-kingdom is known as Tracheobionta. This plant comes under the superdivision of Spermatophyta, and its division is called Magnoliophyta. Talking about the subclass and class to which Chinese Pistache belongs is Magnoliopsida and Rosidae, respectively. The order of the plant is Sapindales and the genus is regarded as Pistacia.
Specifications of the Chinese Pistache
Yellow Chinese Pistache Tree
- The Chinese Pistache may reach a height of 25 to 35 feet and a spread between 25 to 35 feet.
- Chinese Pistache can grow 150 years old or more.
- Regardless of the type, the leaves are pinnately compounded with light green, gold, red, orange, or multicolored.
- Every stem of the Chinese Pistache is tall and has 11 to 20 alternate pointed leaflets.
- The plant is dioecious, which means that either male or female blooms can be found.
- During the first two to three years after seeding, the plant’s growth is relatively modest.
- The flowers are non-showy and greenish. The female Pisteache produces red berry-like draping fruits that are inedible to humans but favored by birds during the fall.
- Because the Chinese Pistache is shade-intolerant, it needs complete light to thrive.
- This plant can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C, but it prefers warm climates.
- The Chinese Pistache requires dry, rather than wet, soil. Clay, loamy, or sandy soil should be used. The soil’s pH must range from slightly acidic to entirely alkaline.
- The Chinese Pistache grows slowly, between 13 and 24 inches each year.
- Externally, the bark of this tree looks grey, but when plucked, it reveals the pink color inside.
Chinese Pistache Root System
Deep Roots of Chinese Pistache Trees
The taproot system of Pistache is extensive. The origins of Chinese Pistache are basically simple, consisting of a single solid and cylindrical major root called the primary root out of which secondary and tertiary roots emerge. The rootlets, a delicate hair-like formation seen at the tip of the tertiary root, are responsible for large water intake from the soil. The Chinese Pistache tree’s roots are deeply established and difficult to dislodge. They thrive in drought-like conditions as their deep roots aid in the absorption of essential minerals and water from within the soil.
Are Chinese Pistache Roots Invasive?
Chinese Pistache roots are rarely thought to be invasive; however, just the roots of female Pistache trees are intrusive, and whenever a male tree is close for mating. The roots, on the other hand, are non-aggressive and firmly embedded. If planting from bare roots, Chinese Pistache must be established as soon as possible and maintained moist and fresh for the first few days.
Why are Chinese Pistache Trees Called “Bareroot Trees?”
Bare Root Trees
Chinese Pistache trees are nicknamed “bare root” since the soil is shaken from the roots once they are removed from a farm, and they are then packaged in a wet medium for storage and transport. Grow a bare root Chinese pistache as quickly as possible after cutting the stem of the existing plant and maintain the roots fresh and cool by watering the tree until its planting time. When planting Chinese Pistache trees, it is recommended to remove any diseased root to protect the plant against any fungal infection.
Growth Habitat of Chinese Pistache Trees
Leaves of a Chinese Pistache Tree
At maturation, Chinese pistache trees grow to be 30 to 40 feet tall and spread. They have an umbrella or round shape. Windstorms, ice, and snow have little effect on the oaks since their wood is extremely durable and resistant to deterioration. Exfoliating the grey bark uncovers salmon and crimson undertones. You should grow Chinese pistache in full sunlight. These trees may grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers a location where the earth drains well. To build a healthy root system, immerse new trees every week in the dry season. Pests and diseases are not a problem for Chinese pistache.
What are the Uses of Chinese Pistache Trees?
Red Berries of Chinese Pistache Trees
- Chinese Pistache’s shoot, leaves, and seeds are edible and can be cooked or roasted.
- These seeds and shoots can also be used in making confectionery items.
- The wood of this plant is hard and is widely used in the making of furniture and carpentry.
- The wood of the Chinese Pistache produces a yellow dye.
- The rootstock of the Pistachio nut or Pistacia vera can be made from the wood of the Chinese Pistache plant.
- The Chinese Pistache plant is ideally known as a street tree. This is due to this tree can withstand extreme weather conditions, and it needs minimal care.
- Also, the Chinese Pistache tree provides a good amount of shade. Hence, it is well known as a ‘street tree.’
- China uses a biofuel made up of the oil produced from the seeds of a Chinese Pistache tree.
