Evergreen Pistacia Atlantica on-demand in Quetta markets
Syed Muhammad Yaseen :
The evergreen Pistacia Atlantica (commonly called Shnay in Pashto) is on-demand in dry fruit markets of Quetta these days. Pistacia Atlantica naturally produces in trees in rugged mountains in frontier villages of Pakistan with Afghanistan. “This comes from Zhob and Sherani areas also”, Abdullah, a Shnay seller says.
It has different types and prices, Abdullah informed. It is up to the buyers and Shnay lovers to buy the small or big size of this dry fruit. “It is good in this dry cold weather”, Ainuddin advocate, one of the buyers said. Shnay is on sale in all dry fruit shops in the heart of Quetta city. However, cartmen have also put the Shnay in different bottles on display on Jinnah road.
Pistacia tree grows on a variety of fertile to rocky soils
The Pistacia tree grows on a variety of fertile to rocky soils in a harsh and dry climate. The species has developed a rooted system that resists all kinds of harsh weather. “It prefers arid and cold temperature”, Yahya Khan Musakhail, an official of the Balochistan forest and wildlife department says.
Deforestation poses a severe threat to the existence of this species. The frontier villages near the Afghan border are deprived of gas facilities. Therefore, the tribesmen opt for deforestation to face the chilly weather. “Some people are removing pistacia trees for agriculture purposes also”, Mr. Musakhail said.
Pistacia being used in various medicines
Different parts of these species have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes like a tonic, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antihypertensive, and management of dental, gastrointestinal, liver, urinary tract, and respiratory tract disorders.
Shnay from Zhob in terms of size is small as compared to other frontier villages, Abdullah, the seller said. People are also cooking Shnay to brave the chilly weather, mentioned.
Syed Ali Imran, the forest conservator informed that Shnay specie belongs to the Pistachio family and it has almost 10 kinds around the globe. He however said four types of Shnay are available in Pakistan. The length of the pistacia tree is almost 7 meters, Mr. Imran mentioned.
Evergreen Pistacia Atlantica on-demand in Quetta markets
