Schinus molle aka Peruvian Peppertree

Schinus molle is the Peruvian pepper tree. It belongs to the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. Its native range runs from Peru to northern Chile. It also spans southern Brazil to northeastern Argentina. This tree stays green year-round and grows fast. It forms a broad, round crown with many branches. These carry fine leaves that droop. Usual height is 20–26 feet [6–8 metres]. Some trees reach 49 feet [15 metres] on good sites. It grows as a bush on dry land. Water below dry river beds can support tree growth.

Young bark is smooth and gray-brown. With age, it forms rough scales and uneven grooves. Cracks show reddish-brown tissue below the gray ridges. Thin, yellow-green twigs hang down from the crown. The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the twigs. They are pinnate, with narrow leaflets along a central stalk. Each leaf has 19 to more than 40 leaflets. Their edges are smooth or have a few teeth. The leaves range from green to yellow-green and smell peppery.

Small flowers bloom in summer in loose clusters. These branch and hang down from the tree. The petals are white, and the centres are yellow. Bees visit the flowers; the tree is not self-fertile. Round, pink to red fruits hang in clusters. They ripen in autumn and can stay through winter. They smell peppery, much like the leaves. The thin fruit pulp holds scented oils and tastes sweet. Each fruit holds one or two seeds.

Grow this tree in full sun and well-drained soil. It also copes with light shade beneath other trees. Sandy soil, stony ground and slopes can suit it. It thrives in hot, dry sites in subtropical regions. Trees can bear some frost once they take root. The evidence gives no hardiness zone. Gardeners grow it for its drooping crown and year-round leaves. People also use it in agroforestry, growing trees alongside crops. It has escaped gardens and now grows wild in some regions. It is invasive in Mediterranean climates. Its reported global conservation status is Least Concern.

Dried, roasted fruits can take the place of pepper. People also sell the seeds as pink pepper. The fruit adds flavour to food and drinks. People use several parts in traditional medicine. The bark yields tannin and resin. People use the leaves to repel insects. Food use does not mean the plant is harmless. Seeds can irritate mucous membranes, the moist linings within the body. Large amounts of seeds can be toxic. Leaves and bark resin may cause skin rashes. Touching or breathing in pollen can cause skin reactions or asthma.