Pepper Tree

Description:

Schinus Molle is a quick growin tree that grows to 50 feet tall and 16–33 feet wide. It is the largest of all the Schinus species. The upper branches of the tree tend to droop. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants (dioecious). The fruit is very small and round with woody seeds that turn from green to red. The rough grayish bark is twisted and drips sap.

Habitat:

The pepper tree grows in places with high temperatures and once established is extremely drought resistant; resistant to frost. It is shallow rooted and can be brittle. The Peper Tree is a fire resesient plant species. Native : Argentina, Peru Exotic : Australia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Haiti, India, Kenya, Mexico, Paraguay, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, United States of America

Notes:

The generic name is derived from the Greek word for Pistacia lentiscus, Σχίνος (schinos), which it resembles. The Peruvian Pepper Tree is the source of the spice known as pink peppercorns but can become serious invasive species outside their natural habitats.