Chilean pepper
Schinus polygama

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It grows 3-4 m tall. The crown is low and round. The trunk is 15-25 cm across. It branches low down.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate to tropical plant. In Chile it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level. It can grow in drier areas and arid areas. It is best in full sun. It can tolerate light frost but not snow. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 3,200 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 9. Geelong Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Bolivia (country/location of origin), Brazil, Chile (country/location of origin), Slovenia, South America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The fruit are used as flavouring. The fruit are used to make wine.

Edible parts

Fruit, spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds germinate in 20-30 days. It can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Assobiadeira, Boroco, Borocoi, Huingan, Incienso, Molho, Molle

Synonyms

Amyris polygama Cav.; Duvaua cuneata Gill.; Schinus bonplandianus Marchand; Schinus dependens Ortega; and others