The Forest Department of Cyprus has named the tree of the year 2021 – it is a pistachio or terpene tree (lat. Pistácia terebínthus). This plant is a native representative of the Cypriot flora and is found almost everywhere up to 1500 m above sea level.

The turpentine tree in Cyprus is grown both as an ornamental crop and for the harvesting of fruits – pistachio nuts. They are used to make tremitopita (turpentine cake), to eat them dried and roasted, and as an ingredient in baking bread. The tree is also known for giving its name to the village of Kokkinotrimythia in the province of Nicosia.

The mature turpentine trees reach a height of six meters. Trees with a trunk diameter of 15 cm or more above the ground at a height of 130 cm are protected by conservation laws. A permit from the forestry department is required to cut them down or trim them. At least three trees over 200 years old growing in Cyprus are under special protection.