Identifying Characteristics
| Size/Form: | Mastic is a large, evergreen tree that reaches heights of 50' to 80'. Mastic has an irregular crown. |
| Leaves: | The narrow leaves are 3" to 5" long by 1" to 2" wide, simple, alternately arranged, and clustered at the ends of twigs. The oval leaves are shiny, bright green above and yellow-green below. The leaf base is broadly wedged and the leaf tip is pointed, rounded, or notched. The leaf margin is wavy and slightly rolled inward. |
| Fruit: | The fruit is a yellow, olive-shaped drupe that is 1" long. The thick, tough skin covers a fleshy, gummy, juicy, white interior. The fruit encloses a single, round seed that is ½" long. |
| Bark: | The reddish-brown bark is scaly. |
| Habitat: | Mastic grows in hammocks, mangroves, and sandy soils near tidewater areas. |