Broad-leafed pepper tree
Schinus terebinthifolius
Family: Anacardiaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 7 m high. The branches do not hang down. The leaves are divided into 5-9 leaflets. The central stalk of the leaf has slight wings. It has broader leaflets than the pepper tree. The leaflets are opposite and without stalks. They are oval and 3-8 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide. The leaflet at the end is slightly larger than the others. The flowering stalk is at the end or in the axils of the upper leaves. It is 5-11 cm long. There are 5 sepals which are triangle shaped and 1 mm long. The petals are white and 2 mm long. The fruit is round and 4-5 mm across. It is red and glossy.
There are about 30 Schinus species. It has become a weed in some locations. It can be invasive.
Where it is found
It is native to Brazil. A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in the Andean deserts in Peru. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil (country/location of origin), Caribbean, Central Africa, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Europe, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Marquesas, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Mozambique, New Zealand, North Africa, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, North Africa, North America, Paraguay, Reunion, SE Asia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South America, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, St Helena, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The berries are used for flavouring. CAUTION: They should not be eaten in large amounts.
They are cultivated commercially in Reunion.
Edible parts
Fruit - spice, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed. They can also be grafted.
The fruit are pickled in brine or dried.
Its other names
Local names
Aroeira, Aroeira-periquita, Aroeira-pimenteira, Aroeura-vermelha, Brazilian pepper tree, Brazilski poprovec, Christmas berry, Filfil areed, Hawai-ian Holly, Mexican pepper, Nani-o-hilo, Pimenta-do-reino-de-arvore, Pink peppercorns, Pohon merica brasil, Red peppercorns, Wilelaiki
Synonyms
Lithrea chichita Speg.; Sarcotheca bahiensis Turcz.; Schinus antiarthriticus Mart. ex Marchand; Schinus aroeira Vell.; Schinus chichita Speg.; Schinus mellisii Engl.; Schinus mucronulatus Mart.; Schinus rhoifolius Mart.; Schinus terebinthifolius var. glaziovianus Engl.; Schinus terebinthifolius var. pohlianus Engl.; Schinus terebinthifolius var. rhoifolius (Mart.) Engl.; Schinus terebinthifolius var. selloanus Engl.;