Schinus terebinthifolia
Raddi
Broad-leafed pepper tree
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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) koala, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) koala, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 7 m high. The branches do not hang down. The leaves are divided into 5-9 leaflets. The central stalk of the leaf has slight wings. It has broader leaflets than the pepper tree. The leaflets are opposite and without stalks. They are oval and 3-8 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide. The leaflet at the end is slightly larger than the others. The flowering stalk is at the end or in the axils of the upper leaves. It is 5-11 cm long. There are 5 sepals which are triangle shaped and 1 mm long. The petals are white and 2 mm long. The fruit is round and 4-5 mm across. It is red and glossy.
Edible Uses
Seed - a peppery flavour. A popular alternative spice, it is used to flavour Cajun and Nouvelle cuisines. Some caution is advised - see notes above on toxicity.
Traditional Uses
The berries are used for flavouring. CAUTION: They should not be eaten in large amounts.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The aromatic plant is considered astringent and tonic. A gum resin obtained from the plant is applied externally in the treatment of cornea diseases, tumours and leprosy. The bark is antineuralgic, depurative and febrifuge. It is used in the treatment of the coughing up of blood and afflictions of the uterus. Triterpenoid acids are found in the leaves, fruit and bark. An essential oil in the plant is predominantly gamma-terpinene. It has antimicrobial properties.
Known Hazards
Like many other species in the family Anacardiaceae, Brazilian pepper has an aromatic sap that can cause skin reactions (similar to poison ivy burns) in some sensitive people, although the reaction is usually weaker than that induced by touch of the closely related Lithraea molleoides, known in Brazil as "wild" aroeira (aroeira brava). Conversely, S. terebinthifolia is commonly known as "tame" aroeira (aroeira mansa). In a paper on triterpenes, the ingested fruits are noted to have a “paralyzing effect” on birds. The narcotic and toxic effects on birds and other wildlife has also been noted by others, e.g., Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management. The AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants reports that the triterpenes found in the fruits can result in irritation of the throat, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and vomiting. Like most other members of the Anacardiaceae, Brazilian pepper contains active alkenyl phenols, e.g. urushiol and cardol, which can cause contact dermatitis and inflammation in sensitive individuals. Contact with the “sap” from a cut or bruised tree can result in rash, lesions, oozing sores, severe itching, welts, and reddening and swelling (especially of the eyes). The burning of S. terebinthifolia releases many airborne irritants, affecting the skin, eyes, and lungs. It is said to have a "mace-like" effect upon nearby people and burning is highly inadvisable.
Distribution
It is native to Brazil. A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in the Andean deserts in Peru. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.
Where It Grows
Africa, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil*, Caribbean, Central Africa, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Europe, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Marquesas, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Mozambique, New Zealand, North Africa, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, North Africa, North America, Paraguay, Reunion, SE Asia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South America, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, St Helena, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown by seed. They can also be grafted.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of above 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 15 days.
Other Uses
A resin called 'Balsamo de misiones' is obtained from the trunk. The tree (bark?) is a source of tannins. Essential oils extracted from the seeds have pesticidal activity against the housefly (Musca domestica). The wood is a dark yellow, turning red on exposure. It is moderately heavy, very dense, hard, soft to work with, with excellent mechanical properties and of high natural durability. It is ideal for making fine furniture, for which it is highly valued in Brazil. The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal. The tree has been used to stabilize sand dunes on the Brazilian Atlantic coast, and is also sometimes grown as a hedge. The tree has a high ecological plasticity, a short life cycle and very rapid growth; it is therefore recommended for the restoration of degraded areas and especially gallery forests.
Production
The fruit are pickled in brine or dried.
Other Information
They are cultivated commercially in Reunion.
Notes
There are about 30 Schinus species. It has become a weed in some locations. It can be invasive.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 56.9 | 693 | 164 | 2.9 | — | 0.5 | 0.9 | 1.3 |
Synonyms
Also Known As
Aroeira, Aroeira-periquita, Aroeira-pimenteira, Aroeura-vermelha, Brazilian pepper tree, Brazilski poprovec, Christmas berry, Filfil areed, Hawai-ian Holly, Mexican pepper, Nani-o-hilo, Pimenta-do-reino-de-arvore, Pink peppercorns, Pohon merica brasil, Red peppercorns, Wilelaiki
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