The mastic tree, a native of southern Europe,
northern Africa, and western Asia. Mastic is the resin of the tree
and is obtained by making transverse incisions in the bark, from
which it exudes in drops and hardens into small semitransparent
tears. It is consumed in large quantities by the Turks for chewing
to strengthen the gums and sweeten the breath. It is also used for
varnishing.

347. PISTACIA TEREBINTHUS.--The Cyprus turpentine tree. The turpentine
flows from incisions made in the trunk and soon becomes thick and
tenacious, and ultimately hardens. Galls gathered from this tree
are used for tanning purposes, one of the varieties of morocco
leather being tanned with them.

348. PISTACIA VERA.--The pistacia tree, which yields the eatable
pistachio nuts. It is a native of western Asia. The nuts are
greatly eaten by the Turks and Greeks, as well as in the south of
Europe, either simply dried like almonds or made into articles of
confectionery.

349. PITHECOLOBIUM SAMAN.--This leguminous plant yields eatable pods,
which are fed to cattle in Brazil. Some Mexican species produce
pods that are boiled and eaten, and certain portions contain
saponaceous properties. The pods are sometimes called Manila
tamarinds. The leaves of this tree fold closely up at night, so
that they do not prevent the radiation of heat from the surface of
the ground, and dew is therefore deposited underneath its
branches. The grass on the surface of the ground underneath this
tree being thus wet with dew, while that under other trees is
found to be dry, has given it the name of rain tree, under the
supposition that the leaves dropped water during the night.

350. PITTOSPORUM UNDULATUM.--A plant from New Zealand, which reaches a
considerable size, and furnishes a wood similar to boxwood. The
flowers are very fragrant.

351. PLAGIANTHUS BETULINUS.--The inner bark of the young branches of
this plant yields a very fine fiber, sometimes called New Zealand
cotton, though more like flax than cotton; it is the Akaroa of the
New Zealanders. In Tasmania it bears the name of Currajong. Good
cordage and twine for fishing nets are made from this fiber. A
superior paper pulp is prepared from the wood; it is also employed
in making handles to baskets, rims for sieve