Lentisk

The lentisk is a bushy or small evergreen tree 1-5 meters tall (rarely taller). When rubbed, the leaves and bark give off a pleasant resinous scent. During the flowering period, it displays its small flowers in cylindrical panicles. The fruit is a fleshy drupe 4-5 millimeters in size, reddish in color, tending to black when ripe. The plant is hardy and able to quickly restore good coverage on bare ground, which is why it is of considerable ecological importance. In the past, the wood was used for inlay work, to make charcoal, and for other purposes. The leaves were used for tanning leather. An oil was extracted from the fruits and used as fuel for lighting or as a substitute for olive oil in food. It has traditionally been used in folk medicine, but its use is currently not recommended as it can cause poisoning and intolerance. It has some known applications in cosmetics and as a balsamic during baths. A mastic was obtained from the plant and used both as an aromatic and adhesive substance (Chios mastic). In mythology, the lentisk is a symbol of purity.