Schinus terebinthifolia aka Brazilian Peppertree

Schinus terebinthifolia, or Brazilian peppertree, belongs to the cashew family. It is native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. This evergreen grows as a shrub or small tree. It grows fast and forms a dense, rounded crown. Most trees reach 16–33 feet [5–10 metres] tall. Some reach 49 feet [15 metres]. Twisted, tangled branches often hide the short trunk. The tree grows in scrub, forests, and disturbed ground. It occurs near rivers, in ditches, and on coastal sands.

The leaves have three to 13 leaflets with fine teeth. Their central stalk can look red and may have wings. Crushed leaves give off a smell like turpentine. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Both have small white flowers with five petals. Bees and other insects visit the flowers. In Florida, most bloom occurs from September through November. Female plants bear clusters of small, round drupes. These start green and turn bright red as they ripen. Most fruit ripens by December in Florida. Birds and mammals spread the seeds after eating the fruit.

This tree suits warm tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers sun and soil that drains well. It also grows in poor, dry soil and acid conditions. It can cope with seasonal flooding. These traits help it grow across a wide range of sites. Cold limits its range, and Florida sources describe it as cold-sensitive. No firm garden hardiness zone appears in the supplied evidence. Fresh seed can sprout in about 10–15 days. The source recommends sowing it soon after it ripens.

People have grown Brazilian peppertree for its foliage and red fruit. Other uses include hedges, soil protection, and early woodland cover. Its wood supplies furniture timber, fuel, and charcoal. The trunk yields resin, and the tree supplies tannins. Yet its spread can outweigh these uses outside its native range. It invades many habitats in central and southern Florida. It also poses a major threat in the Everglades. Florida lists it as a noxious weed and restricts its handling.

The pepper-flavoured seeds have a history of use as a spice. This use does not mean they are safe for everyone. Sensitive people can develop rashes, vomiting, or diarrhoea after eating them. The plant can also cause skin and breathing problems in allergic people. The source links these reactions mainly to pollen from male plants. People use the bark and resin in traditional medicine. Such use does not establish safe or effective treatment.