Brazilian peppertree
(Schinus terebinthifolia)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Native Range
South America
Appearance
Brazilian peppertree is an evergreen shrub or small tree typically growing 10–23 ft (3–7 m) tall. The sprawling branches and typically short trunk have gray bark. The leaves are pinnately compound and give off a strong turpentine odor when crushed. Male and female flowers usually appear on separate plants. Both flowers are tiny and white and appear in large, clustered inflorescences. Each female flower produces a single dark red, berry-like fruit.
Impact
Brazilian peppertree displaces native plant species, reduces density and species diversity of native bird populations, reduces nesting sites for native tortoises, and alters fire regimes. Its sap can cause contact dermatitis and inflammation in sensitive individuals, and its fruits reportedly sometimes have paralyzing effects on birds, humans, and grazing animals upon ingestion.
Reference
Halbritter, D.A., M.B. Rayamajhi, G.S. Wheeler, C.R. Minteer, J.P. Cuda, S.M., Steininger, and V. Manrique. 2022. Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia): History and Ecology in North America. In: R.L. Winston, Ed. Biological Control of Weeds in North America. North American Invasive Species Management Association, Milwaukee, WI. NAISMA-BCW-2022-27-BRAZILIAN PEPPERTREE-P. https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/25229.pdf
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- California Invasive Plant Council
- Florida Invasive Plant Council - Plant List - Category I
- Florida Noxious Weeds
- Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
- John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
- New Invaders of the Southeast
- New Invaders of the Southwest
- Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
- Reichard, Sarah. 1994. Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. University of Washington Ph.D. dissertation.
- Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Mgmt. Area
- Texas Noxious Weeds
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Rosanae |
| Order: Sapindales |
| Family: Anacardiaceae |
| Subfamily: Anacardioideae |
| Genus: Schinus |
| Schinus terebinthifolia |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/queries.pl
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/queries.pl