Pistacia chinensis, the Chinese pistache (), is a small to medium-sized tree in the genus Pistacia in the cashew family Anacardiaceae, native to central and western China. This species is planted as a street tree in temperate areas worldwide due to its attractive fruit and autumn foliage.
Description
thumb|200px|Tree in the summer
It is hardy, can withstand harsh conditions and poor quality soils, and grows up to . The leaves are deciduous, alternate, pinnate, 20–25 cm long, with 10 or 12 leaflets, the terminal leaflet usually absent. The flowers are produced in panicles long at the ends of the branches; it is dioecious, with separate male and female plants.
The fruit is a small red drupe, turning blue when ripe, containing a single seed.
Taxonomy
Synonyms include: Pistacia formosana <small>Matsumura</small>; P. philippinensis <small>Merrill & Rolfe</small>; Rhus argyi <small>H. Léveillé</small>; R. gummifera <small>H. Léveillé</small>.
Ecology
Chinese pistache grows best in full sun, being intolerant of shade; it is the most frost-tolerant species of Pistacia, tolerating temperatures down to about -25 °C, yet it is most highly regarded in warm climates. It is planted for its impressive fall colors, which develop at least as far south as Orlando, Florida.
Uses
It is a popular choice for street trees in urban settings because it is very drought tolerant and can survive harsh environments. It is also used as an understock for Pistacia vera. In China, the oil from the seeds is used for biodiesel production. The wood is used for production of furniture, and yields a yellow dye.