Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi.   Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)   South America   Brazilian Pepper Tree

                                       December Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Evergreen tree to 6 m. high; dioecious; lvs. alternate, odd pinnate, lfts. usually oblong, 3.5-7.5 cm. long, 2-4 cm. wide, very dark green above, lighter below; fls. in dense panicles, small, white; calyx short, 5 parted, drupe globose, bright red.

Habitat:  Grown for ornament in Calif.  No bloom date is printed in Bailey.  The photo of the bloom was made in July, however, the plant seems to bloom most of the year.

Name:  Greek, schinos, the mastic tree.  Greek, terebinthos, the terebinth tree, and Latin, foliosus, full of leaves.  (Jaeger 104,231,259).  Probably has leaves like those of the terebinth tree.

General:  Common in the study area, thrives at low elevations where there is adequate water and apparently tolerates brackish conditions.  Photographed specimen was along Back Bay Dr., northerly of Big Canyon. In the past few years, this plant has become a major pest in the Upper Bay area, crowding out other plants with its fast growth.  Most of the willow areas have at least one large Brazilian Pepper tree, some have several.  In areas where the trees have been cut down, suckers have grown back from the old stump.  Eradication is difficult but can be accomplished if the stump is poisoned. (my comments).

Text Ref:  Bailey 627; Hickman, Ed. 136.

Photo Ref:  Dec 2 82 # 36A, 36B; July 1 85 # 9..

Identity: by R. De Ruff.  

First Found:  December 1982.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 131.

Have plant specimen.

Last edit 6/12/05.

                           December Photo                                                                         July Photo