The terebinth is a resilient, deciduous tree or large shrub that often inspires curiosity due to its strong presence in history and ancient literature. This plant has survived for centuries across the Mediterranean, adapting to harsh conditions while providing resources for human use. Although often overlooked in modern times, the terebinth holds a significant place in botany, ecology, and cultural heritage.
Identifying the Terebinth
The terebinth is scientifically known as Pistacia terebinthus and belongs to the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. It is closely related to the cultivated pistachio tree, Pistacia vera, and can be used as a rootstock for grafting the nut-producing species. The plant generally grows as a small tree or large shrub, typically reaching heights between 2.5 and 6 meters, though it can occasionally extend up to 10 meters.
The tree is deciduous, shedding its leaves in autumn, which often turn a striking reddish hue before dropping. Its leaves are compound and odd-pinnate, consisting of five to eleven glossy, oval-shaped leaflets. A distinguishing feature is the plant’s strong, resinous odor emitted from all its parts, giving it the common name of the turpentine tree. The female trees produce small, spherical drupes, about 5 to 7 millimeters long, that change color from reddish to black when ripe.
Where the Terebinth Thrives
The terebinth is native to the Mediterranean Basin, with a range extending across Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, including areas like Morocco, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. This species is well-adapted to the region’s climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The tree demonstrates a notable tolerance for drought and intense summer heat, making it a fixture in the Mediterranean scrubland known as garrigue and maquis.
It prefers to grow in deep, well-drained soils, showing a particular affinity for calcareous or alkaline earth. The terebinth is often found on dry, stony hillsides and can thrive in degraded areas where other species have been eliminated. While it can grow at higher elevations, it is typically found up to about 600 meters.
Role in History and Ancient Texts
The terebinth tree’s long lifespan and robust nature made it a powerful symbol of endurance and stability in ancient cultures. Its presence in the Middle East led to frequent mentions in religious texts, where large terebinth trees often marked significant or sacred locations. For example, the “great tree of Moreh” where Abram built an altar is often interpreted as a terebinth, signifying a place of divine encounter. The Valley of Elah, the site of the confrontation between David and Goliath, is also named after the terebinth trees that grew there.
Historically, the tree was valued for its resin, which was collected by tapping the bark to produce a substance known as Chian or Cyprus turpentine. This aromatic gum-resin was highly prized in antiquity and used for a variety of purposes. The resin served as an early form of solvent, a medicinal ingredient for treating ailments like stomachaches, and was even employed in embalming processes. The strong, aromatic wood was also utilized for making tools and producing incense.