The evergreen mastic shrub belongs to the sumac family, grows 1 to 3 m high. Occurs in the European and African Mediterranean area, also in Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Syria and the Canary Islands.
The unisexual flowers show dark red anthers in the male flowers, the female flowers are greenish, flowering time March to June. The spherical fruits have a diameter of 3 to 4 mm and change colour from red to black. The branches and leaves are often used as accessories in bouquets.
Phytotherapeutic uses The hardened resin balsam (mastic) is used.
HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: Internal: Mild dyspeptic complaints, External: Mild skin inflammations and small wounds.