Chinese pistache

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chinese pistache
• Chinese pistachio

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Sapindales, and the family Anacardiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Pistacia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several significant regions across Asia. In Central Asia, its presence is notably documented within Tajikistan. Moving toward the Caucasus region, it can be found throughout the Transcaucasus area. Its range extends into Western Asia, specifically within the borders of Afghanistan. Finally, in China, the species is distributed across both the South-Central provinces and the island of Hainan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pistacia chinensis is characterized by its ability to inhabit a vast altitudinal gradient, demonstrating significant adaptability to varying topographical conditions. It is found across a wide elevational spectrum, ranging from low-lying areas at 140 m AMSL to high-altitude environments reaching a maximum of 3550 m AMSL. The species thrives across these diverse landscapes, with a mean elevation of approximately 1722.5 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-altitude montane or hilly ecosystems. This broad vertical distribution allows the plant to occupy various ecological niches, ranging from warm, arid lowlands to cooler, more temperate highland regions.

Elevational range max:

3550 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1722.5 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

140 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Pistacia chinensis is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within its ecological niche through multiple growing seasons. As a deciduous plant, it undergoes a seasonal cycle of leaf shedding, dropping its foliage annually to enter a period of dormancy during unfavorable climatic conditions. This rhythmic pattern of growth and senescence ensures the plant can manage its resources effectively over its extended lifespan.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pistacia chinensis is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, specifically classified as a tree. It functions as a self-supporting, independent organism that is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, neither being aquatic nor an epiphyte. The plant exhibits a significant vertical stature, with an average height of approximately 14.5 m, though it is capable of reaching a maximum height of up to 20 m. As a self-supporting tree, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as liana or vine growth, maintaining a sturdy and permanent structural architecture.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

14.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pistacia chinensis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant's foliage consists of lanceolate-shaped leaves featuring crenate margins, with leaf dimensions typically ranging from a minimum length of 10 cm to a maximum of 25 cm, and a width spanning from 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm. Notably, the leaf structure is devoid of both thorns and spines. Structurally, the plant exhibits a mean stem specific density (SSD) of 713 mg/cm³, reflecting its internal tissue composition and mechanical strength. Furthermore, Pistacia chinensis does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on external soil nitrogen sources rather than symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria for its nutritional requirements.

Leaf form :

lanceolate

Leaf length max:

25 cm

Leaf length min:

10 cm

Leaf margin :

crenate

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Leaf width max:

2.5 cm

Leaf width min:

1.5 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

713 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pistacia chinensis is characterized by an abiotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on wind for the transfer of pollen. The flowering period typically begins in March and concludes in May, though the timing can be variable. This species does not exhibit self-fertilization, as the process of self-fertilization is absent. Following successful pollination, the plant develops fruit classified as a drupe. These fruits are indehiscent, meaning they do not split open at maturity to release their contents. The seeds produced within the fruit exhibit varying masses, with a minimum seed mass of 0.04132 g, a maximum of 0.0917 g, and an average (mean) seed mass of approximately 0.07029 g.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

May

Fruit type :

drupe

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Seed mass max:

0.0917 g

Seed mass mean:

0.07029 g

Seed mass min:

0.04132 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pistacia chinensis has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, 3-Carene, Fatty acids, LIMONENE, Monoterpenes.

Flavonoids

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
2. Natural product research

3-Carene

1. Pharmaceutics

Fatty acids

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

LIMONENE

1. Pharmaceutics

Monoterpenes

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Saponins

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Sterols

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Terpenoids

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Activities

Pistacia chinensis has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic.

Antibacterial

1. Pharmaceutics

Antidepressant

1. Pharmaceutics

Antioxidant

1. Pharmaceutics

Hypoglycemic

1. Pharmaceutics

Medicinal Uses

Pistacia chinensis has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include aging, chronic diseases, dysentery, gout, influenza.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations