Brazilian pepper

Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) is a flowering plant in the cashew family, Anacardiaceae, native to subtropical and tropical South America (southeast Brazil, northern Argentina, and Paraguay). It is also known as Brazilian peppertree, aroeira, and rose pepper.

Description

The Brazilian pepper is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 10–12 meters high. It has a smooth, grayish bark and a dense canopy of leaves. The leaves are compound, with 5-13 leaflets, each leaflet 2–4 cm long, dark green above and paler below. The flowers are small, white and borne profusely in panicles at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small red drupe 4–5 mm diameter carried in dense clusters of hundreds of berries.

Cultivation and uses

Brazilian pepper is widely grown as an ornamental plant in frost-free regions for its dense foliage and brightly colored fruit. It is also used as a spice in cooking, especially in Brazilian cuisine. The berries have a warm, spicy flavor and are often used to flavor meats, pickles, and sauces. The leaves and bark are also used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Invasive species

Outside its native range, Brazilian pepper has become a serious invasive species. It is a major problem in Florida, where it was introduced in the late 19th century. It has also become invasive in other parts of the world, including Australia, South Africa, and Israel. Efforts are being made to control its spread and to find biological control agents.

See also

• List of invasive species
• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of Brazilian dishes