Brazilian Pepper and Northern Mockingbird

Description:

The Brazilian Pepper is one of the most problematic of the Florida invasive plants because it thrives so well in our environment and dominates . By spreading quickly and growing in such dense masses it blocks the light and suppresses the growth of native vegetation. While this Mockingbird may enjoy eating the berries of the Brazilian Pepper (and thus spreading the seeds), in reality this invasive reduces the numbers of wildlife by destroying native sources for food and shelter.

Habitat:

Brazilian Pepper has invaded hundreds of thousands of acres of native communities and disturbed sites in Florida , including mangrove forests, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods and cypress strands. Eradicating this invasive is time consuming and an expensive part of the management plans of Parks and Preserves throughout the State.

Notes:

Brazilian Pepper, native to Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay) was introduced in Florida as an ornamental plant. People loved them for their bright red berries (it was referred to as "Florida Holly") and because they grew so fast (up to 10 feet per year). They also attracted some species of birds, especially Mockingbirds, migrating Robins and Cedar-Waxwings, who like to eat the berries. The birds helped disburse the seeds from yards and gardens to Florida's natural habitats where it was an an aggressive colonizer, overcoming native vegetation. In addition, as a relative of poison ivy, the Brazilian Pepper plant causes skin and respiratory problems in people, and is hazardous to horses and cattle, and even the birds that eat their berries if they consume too many.