Trees or shrubs; dioecious; bark resinous. Leaves alternate, usally pinnate, rarely simple or 3-foliate. Inflorescences axillary, usually paniculate, rarely spikelike. Flowers without a perianth but surrounded by 1-3 small bracts and up to 7 tepal-like cracteoles. Male flowers with 3-5(8) stamens attached to the disj; filaments very short; anthers basifixed. Ovary 1-celled; style short, with (2)3 branches. Drupes globose or ovoid.
Pistacia includes about 12 speices. Its primary distribution extends from the