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Image shows the attractive ornamental-looking pink and red berries of
Schinus terebinthifolius |
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Schinus terebinthifolius
(American
pepper, Aroeira salsa,
Brazilian Pepper tree, California
peppertree,
Escobilla,
Mastic tree,
Mollie, Peruvian mastic tree, Peruvian Pepper tree)
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Synonyms: Aroeira, Florida Holly, Christmasberry
Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew)
Origin: Native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay
Light: Full sun
Height: Up to 30'
Spacing: 2'
Blooms: Auxillary clusters, small, white, in Summer and Fall
Fruit: Dense 6" panicles, small, round, papery, glossy, aromatic,
green and juicy mature to pink and red berries
Foliage: 5-8" long, green, winged mid-rib, alternate, odd-pinnate,
paired, usually 7 oval leaflets with a single leaflet at the tip
Soil: Well-drained, moist,
drought tolerant when established
Water: Regular
Propagation: Seeds, suckers
Uses: Red berries for Christmas decorations
Caution: Considered invasive in subtropical climate. Parts of
plants can cause allergic skin reactions, respiratory problems, swelling
of face and eyes and inflammation.
Comments: Schinus terebinthifolius or Brazilian Pepper tree or
Peruvian Pepper tree or California peppertree or Mollie or
Aroeira salsa or escobilla or Peruvian mastic tree or Mastic tree or
American pepper
or Aroeira or Florida Holly or Christmasberry is an attractive bushy
evergreen shrub or small tree with a sprawling habit. The leaves
have the smell of turpentine when bruised. Florida Holly
tree spreads by seeds and suckers at the roots and often form thickets.
The Christmasberry seeds are papery when ripe and flakes easily.
American robins and Winter songbirds love to feast on the berries.
Aroeira is found growing
near my house and shiny red
berries on the tree in Winter are breathtaking.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8b-11 |
