Pimenta dioica aka Allspice

Taxonomy

Allspice, also known as Jamaica pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta, or pimento, is a dried unripe berry of the Pimenta dioica tree. This midcanopy tree is native to the Greater Antilles, southern Mexico, and Central America, but is now cultivated in many warm parts of the world. The aromatic, evergreen, profusely-branched tree usually grows 7 - 10 metres tall but occasionally reaches 20 metres, with a bole that can be up to 30cm in diameter. The name allspice was coined as early as 1621 by the English, who valued it as a spice that combined the flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The tree was used as a spice in the Caribbean before the arrival of Europeans. Allspice has become a popular spice in many areas of the world and is now often cultivated in the American tropics, especially in Jamaica, and occasionally elsewhere. Allspice belongs to the Pimenta genus and is native to Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Although allspice is a super rare houseplant, it is not challenging to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Several unrelated fragrant shrubs are called "Carolina allspice" (Calycanthus floridus), "Japanese allspice" (Chimonanthus praecox), or "wild allspice" (Lindera benzoin).

Common names

Allspice, Clover Pepper, Pimenta

How to care for Allspice

Difficulty

Allspice presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Allspice should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Allspice prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Allspice to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia