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Brazilian Pepper Tree, (Schinus terebinthifolius) – Invasive Species

By Kwee Huset

Real Estate Agent with Kwee Huset Realty

November 08, 2013 09:50 AM

Brazilian Pepper Tree, (Schinus terebinthifolius) – Invasive Species

The commonly named Brazilian Pepper tree is an invasive plant, which has been called Florida Holly - however it is not a holly. Its scientific name is Schinus terebinthifolius. The plant is a native from Brazil, South America.

Enjoy the video!

Brazilian pepper trees like warm weather and are sensitive to cold. The tree grows up to about 30 feet tall. It flowers from September to November and its fruits ripen from November to December.

It has clusters of white flowers that form into clusters of bright red fruits/berries among the green leaves. It looks so pretty that some people use it to make a wreath for Christmas decorations.

Birds (especially the migrating robins) love the Brazilian pepper berries. This helps the invasive plant to disperse its seeds throughout the South of Florida. The tree can be easily spotted along the road sides. Due to the aggressive growing nature of the tree, it can take over and dominate many plants in the hammock area and disturbed the habitats.

This invasive plant – Brazilian Pepper tree is prohibited by law under Section 62C-52.011 Prohibited Aquatic Plant to plant

Also, some people are allergic to the sap and get rashes from trimming the tree.

Related Post:

Australian-pine – Invasive Plants

Brazilian Pepper Tree, (Schinus terebinthifolius) – Invasive Plants

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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Kwee, Thank you for the lesson on Brazilian Pepper Trees. They are an attractive plant but could be a real pain if they are invasive.

Nov 08, 2013 11:06 AM

Kwee Huset

Kwee Huset Realty - Venice, FL

Venice Florida Homes For Sale

You are welcome Debbie. Brazilian pepper berries are bright and beautiful unfortunately the tree is illegal to plant.

Nov 08, 2013 11:10 AM

Judith Parker

ProStead Realty - Charlotte, NC

CRS, GRI, CMRS, Charlotte, NC

Hi Kwee, I enjoy native plants and dislike non-native / invasive plants and there are many. It is so hard to stop these plants once they get started. Nice and informative post.

Nov 08, 2013 12:30 PM

Gabe Sanders

Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Kwee, we've done a pretty good job of controlling the Brazillian Pepper in Martin County as we don't have very many. County workers will destroy any new growth that they spot.

Nov 08, 2013 09:01 PM

Adrian Willanger

206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA

Profit from my two decades of experience

Kwee-thanks for the video, controlling the Brazillian Pepper in Florida can be a daunting job to help preserve the native habitats.

Nov 08, 2013 10:17 PM

Joni Bailey

101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX

Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

It sounds like Beauty and the Beast! Can you eat the peppers, or are the just for the birds?

Nov 08, 2013 11:34 PM

Good question Joni. According to wikipedia the seeds can be used as a spice, and adding pepper like taste to food.

Nov 09, 2013 12:03 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Kwee, you have very interesting plants and bushes in Venice! I love this series and interesting reading. Wish we could grow them in Denver.

Nov 09, 2013 01:00 AM

Nick T Pappas

Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL

Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Kwee, we have to deal with a few varieties of invasive plants here in Huntsville and probably the most visible is Kudzu...a vine that also dominates indigenous plants. It will completely cover and kill large trees.

Nov 09, 2013 07:59 AM

Christine O'Shea

Christine E O'Shea Broker - Naples, FL

Kwee, the brazilian pepper tree does look like holly but also reminded me of a poison ivy type leaf. I have not seen any of these, but will be on the look out for them!

Nov 09, 2013 09:56 AM

William Johnson

Retired - La Jolla, CA

Retired

Hi Kwee, We have a Pepper Tree here in Southern California that is also invasive but not uncommon. I had one in my front yard and had it removed and that was 10 years ago. The seeds continue to sprout and if it gets more than a few inches tall, the roots are over 12 inches deep and you have to dig out the seeding. You can't pull it out. They are messy and way to common here for my taste.

Nov 09, 2013 10:18 AM

Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Such pretty foliage. Too bad, it has been deemed invasive, and outlawed in Florida. We all come from somewhere - People, Animals, Plants. I guess the secret is it is OK unless you make a nuisance of yourself. . .tsk, tsk!

Nov 09, 2013 11:03 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

We have these here in California and the birds love them but I did not know what they called them. Thanks for sharing and WOW we are getting so near to Christmas. Thanks for sharing.

Nov 09, 2013 02:43 PM

Brazilian Pepper Tree, (Schinus terebinthifolius) – Invasive Species

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