Pistacia vera, commonly known as the pistachio tree, is a small deciduous tree native to Central Asia and the Middle East. It produces edible seeds, known as pistachios, which are popular for their unique flavor and nutritional benefits. The tree thrives in arid climates and requires well-drained soil for optimal growth. Pistachio trees can grow up to 10 meters tall and typically have a lifespan of over 100 years. They are dioecious, meaning that individual trees are either male or female, and both are needed for pollination to produce nuts. The nuts are harvested in late summer when they begin to split open.