The Schinos (mastic tree) (ref. name:Pistacia lentiscus) is a species of evergreen shrubs with a very large spread in the Mediterranean area. A variety of mastic tree, Pistakia or Pistacia lentiscus, var. chia , which is an endemic plant of Chios is the tree that produces the Chios mastic and is often referred to as mastic tree. The schinos are related to other species of the genus Pistacia (Pistacia) such as pistachio (Pistacia vera) and trimithia (Pistacia terebinthus).
The schinos develop at lower altitudes and in coastal areas. It often acquires a tree form and can reach a height of 5 meters. Its fruits are small, spherical with bright red color. The flowering period of the schinos is from March to June.
