Brazilian pepper tree
Schinus terebinthifolius
Summary 2
Brazilian pepper is a native of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. It is thought to have been introduced into Florida around 1842-1849 as a cultivated ornamental plant. Brazilian pepper successfully colonizes native tree hammocks, pine flatlands, and mangrove forest communities. Brazilian pepper is a shrub or small tree up to 33 ft. tall with a short trunk usually hidden in a dense head of contorted, intertwining branches. Mature Brazilian pepper plants have compound leaves that are alternately arranged with a rachis, or central stalk, that is somewhat red in color. Each leaf has 3 to 13, 1 to 2 in. long leaflets that are arranged opposite of each other (except for the terminal leaflet). Each leaflet is oblong, or elliptic, with veins that are pinnately arranged, meaning the veins originate along the length of the midrib. Leaves are hairless, glossy, and evergreen and may have finely toothed margins. Leaves smell of turpentine when crushed. The plants have separate male or female flowers and each sex occurs in clusters on separate plants. The male and female flowers are both white and are made up of five parts with male flowers having 10 stamens in 2 rows of 5. Petals are 0.6 in. long. The male flowers also have a lobed disc within the stamens. The fruits are in clusters, glossy, green, and juicy at first, becoming bright red on ripening, and 2.4 in. wide. The red skin dries to become a papery shell surrounding the seed. The seed is dark brown and 0.1 in. in diameter. Flowering occurs from September through November and fruits are usually mature by December. Birds and mammals are the primary mechanisms for dispersal, although seeds may be transported via flowing water. Seeds are viable for up to 2 months, losing viability as time progresses. Brazilian pepper is considered one of the most aggressive invasive plants found in Florida because of its rapid growth, vigorous re-sprouting, prolific seed production, and ability to grow nearly year-round in varying environments. Brazilian pepper forms a dense canopy that shades out native plants in developed areas and natural areas. It also produces allelopathic chemicals in the soil, which prevent other plants from growing. It displaces rare and endangered plants and encroaches on nesting habitat of the threatened gopher tortoise. Brazilian pepper is a host for an invasive species of root weevil that damages Florida’s citrus trees. In addition, it may cause a rash in some sensitive people.
Sources and Credits
- (c) t_kok, all rights reserved
- (c) t_kok, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
More Info
- iNat taxon page
- Biodiversity Heritage Library
- BOLD Systems BIN search
- eFloras.org
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
- IPNI (with links to POWO, WFO, and BHL)
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network
- SEINet Symbiota portals
- Tropicos
- World Flora Online
Range Map
iNat Map
| Leaf type | Pinnately compound |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Brown, Red, Green |
| Flowers | White |
| Leaf shape | Elliptic, Oblong |
| Leaf characteristics | Aromatic |
