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The Terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus) belongs to Anacardiaceae (the Sumac family). It is a small deciduous tree that is native to the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean region. This tree grows in relatively moist areas, such as near the sea, salt lakes and streams, and it can reach about 10 m in height. The leaves are odd-pinnate compound, 10-20 cm long with 5-11 opposite glossy oval leaflets. The flowers are reddish-purple, appearing with the new leaves in early spring. The fruits are globular drupes and red to black when ripe. All parts of the plant have a strong resinous smell. The barks were used as a source for turpentine, possibly the earliest known source.
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