ππͺπ΄π΅π’π€πͺπ’ ππ¦π―π΅πͺπ΄π€πΆπ΄, lentisco or just “mata”.
It is surely the main shrub in the Mallorcan landscape. It is so hardy that it can be found both in the mountains and in saline environments, on the coastline.
It is easily dispersed by birds, which feed on the small red fruits that only the female plants bear, as it is a dioecious shrub.
We use it frequently in our gardens because it is native to the area and maintains its vigorous appearance all year round. And for me in particular, its characteristic smell of resin brings back memories of childhood in the Mallorcan countryside.