Schinus terebinthifolius, also known as Brazilian peppertree, is a plant native to subtropical and tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. While not invasive in its native habitat, this species has become a significant invasive plant in many other parts of the world. It was introduced to Florida in the late 1800s and has since spread aggressively across various ecosystems, including thousands of acres of wetlands, hammocks, and pinelands.
Recognizing the Plant
Brazilian peppertree grows as a sprawling shrub or small tree, reaching 3 to 10 meters, sometimes up to 15 meters. Its bark is grey and can be smooth or develop furrows with age. The plant has a shallow root system, and its branches can be upright, reclining, or vine-like.
Its leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, meaning multiple leaflets are arranged along a central stem, 10 to 22 centimeters long. Each leaf contains 5 to 15 oval or elliptical leaflets, 3 to 6 centimeters long, with finely toothed margins and yellowish veins. When crushed, the leaves emit a pungent aroma, often described as peppery or turpentine-like. Small, white, five-petaled flowers appear in profuse clusters from late summer into fall (September to November). These flowers develop into bright red, spherical berries, 4 to 5 millimeters in diameter, which ripen in dense clusters from December to February.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Brazilian peppertree is an aggressive invader that rapidly colonizes environments, often forming dense, single-species stands. This vigorous growth shades out and displaces native vegetation, leading to a significant reduction in local plant and animal biodiversity. Its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including various soil types and moisture levels, contributes to its success in displacing native flora.
The plant’s rapid growth rate, prolific seed production, high germination rate, and vigorous resprouting ability further enhance its invasive spread. Birds and mammals frequently disperse its seeds, contributing to its widespread establishment. Brazilian peppertree can alter natural fire regimes by increasing shade and changing the composition of fire-prone litter, transforming ecosystems into fire-excluded areas.
Contact with Brazilian peppertree can cause health issues in humans and animals, as it belongs to the cashew family, which also includes poison ivy and poison oak. The sap, leaves, and fruit contain alkenyl phenols, such as cardol and cardanol, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis (skin irritation). Inhaling pollen or airborne particles from the flowers and crushed fruit can lead to respiratory problems, including allergies and asthma-like symptoms. Ingesting the bright red berries can also cause digestive upset, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Control and Removal
Managing Brazilian peppertree infestations often involves a combination of mechanical and chemical methods due to its vigorous regrowth potential. For small seedlings and young plants, manual removal by hand-pulling can be effective, ensuring the entire root system is extracted to prevent resprouting. Larger plants or trees require more intensive approaches.
Cutting larger plants to a stump followed by immediate herbicide application to the cut surface, known as the cut-stump method, is an effective chemical treatment. Herbicides like triclopyr or glyphosate are often used, applied to the entire top and sides of the stump. Basal bark application is another effective chemical control, where an oil-soluble herbicide, such as triclopyr ester, is sprayed around the entire circumference of the lower trunk for bark penetration. Foliar sprays, using herbicides like glyphosate, triclopyr, or imazapyr, can also be applied to the leaves of smaller plants, though follow-up treatments may be needed due to resprouting.
Safety precautions are important during removal due to the plant’s irritating sap and potential for allergic reactions. Wearing protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection is advisable to prevent skin contact with the sap, leaves, or berries. Repeated efforts are often necessary, as the plant can resprout vigorously and its seeds are widely dispersed, leading to new infestations.