General information:
Name: Pistacia Vera - Peter & Kerman
Also known as: Pistachio tree
Family: Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)
Origin: Native to Central Asia and the Middle East
Plant characteristics:
Peter the male plant
Leaves: Dark green, pinnate, with a glossy finish, giving the tree a robust and refined appearance.
Flowers: Male flowers are inconspicuous yellow but essential for the pollination of female pistachio trees.
Kerman the female plant
Leaves: Dark green, pinnate, with a glossy finish, giving the tree a vibrant and lush appearance.
Flowers: Small and inconspicuous red, crucial for bearing fruit after pollination by Peter.
Distinctive features:
Harvestable Fruits: Kerman produces delicious pistachios, provided it is pollinated by Peter.
Pollinating Power: Peter plays a key role in fertilization, essential for Kerman's nut production.
Aesthetic Value: Both plants add a decorative touch to any garden with their lush leaves and growth vigor.
Cultivation and care:
Location: Both prefer a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil.
Water needs: Moderate, with special attention during dry periods and the growth phase.
Propagation: Mainly by grafting to ensure the best traits and consistency in fertility.
Pollination: Peter is needed for nut production by Kerman.
Temperatures:
Climate resilience: Both plants withstand hot summers and cold winters, thriving optimally between 7°C and 37°C, and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C.
Importance of the Pistachio tree:
Ecological Importance: Both plants contribute to biodiversity by attracting pollinators like bees.
Economic and Culinary Value: Kerman's nuts are highly sought after for consumption, both fresh and in various culinary applications.
Ornamental Value: Enhance the garden landscape with their stature and foliage.