Brazilian peppertree
Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi
Description from Invasive.org
Brazilian peppertree is a broadleaved, evergreen shrub or small tree that invades natural and disturbed areas in Hawaii, Florida, Texas and California. Plants can grow to 30 ft. (9 m) tall. The alternate, dark green leaves are pinnately compound and slightly toothed along leaflet margins. Leaflets are opposite along a (usually) winged rachis and 1-2 in. (2.5-5.1 cm) long. Leaves smell strongly of pepper or turpentine when crushed. Trees are dioecious with clusters of small, white, 5-petaled flowers developing in the leaf axils of young stems. Trees flower year-round, but flowers are most concentrated in the fall. Fruit are small, bright red berries. Brazilian peppertree invades a variety of habitats including old fields, forests, hammocks, ditches, and wetlands. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation. Brazilian peppertree is native to South America and was first introduced into the United States in the 1840s as an ornamental.
Resources
- Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States - USDA Forest Service
- Element Stewardship Abstract - The Nature Conservancy
- Fire Effects Information System - USDA Forest Service
- Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants