Native to the Mediterranean region, this semi - evergreen tree grows to a height of 5 m. It grows on most soils.
The sweet, greenish nuts are eaten out of hand or the oil is extracted from them. Young leaves are cooked and used as a vegetable. In Iran, the resin from the trunk is used as a chewing gum.
Immature fruits, still on a portion of stem, are preserved in vinegar and salt, and then made into a relish.
This species is also used as a rootstock for Pistacia vera.