Schoinos

Schoinos is a genus of plants in the family Apocynaceae. It contains five accepted species, all native to the Mediterranean region and parts of the Middle East. These plants are typically shrubs or small trees, characterized by their leathery, evergreen leaves and star-shaped flowers. The flowers are often fragrant and can be white, yellow, or pink, blooming in spring or summer. Schoinos species are known for their drought tolerance and adaptability to arid and rocky environments.

One of the most well-known species is Schoinos molle, commonly known as the mastic tree or lentisk. This species is native to the Mediterranean Basin and is cultivated for its resin, mastic, which has a long history of use in food, medicine, and varnishes. The resin is obtained by making incisions in the bark, from which a clear, aromatic sap oozes and hardens. Other species within the genus include Schoinos humilis, Schoinos libanotica, Schoinos terebinthus, and Schoinos orientalis, each with varying distributions and slightly different morphological characteristics. The genus is ecologically important in its native habitats, providing food and shelter for wildlife.