Schinus terebinthifolius

The False Pepper Tree, in Latin Schinus terebinthifolius, is a small evergreen tree from South America whose pink-red berries with a subtly peppery flavour are used as a spice, earning it the common name of Pink Pepper. It is ornamental with its spreading habit, large pinnate leaves, and pendulous cream-white panicles of nectar-rich flowers. The female plants produce the famous pink berries when in the nearby presence of a male plant. This Brazilian pepper tree is a subtropical species that is cultivated in open ground only on a warm and sunny coast where frosts are only light and passing. Elsewhere, it can be grown in large pots and overwintered in an unheated but frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.

Schinus terebinthifolius belongs to the family of cashews. This False Pepper Tree is native to Central America and tropical South America. It is found in Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is also cultivated on Reunion and Madagascar, for its berries. Its name comes from the Greek "schinos" which is translated as mastic, because the tree secretes an aromatic substance similar to the resin of mastic pistachio trees (Pistacia lentiscus and P. terebinthifolius). Its frost resistance is estimated at -4 or -5 °C at the lowest for a well-established plant.

Schinus terebinthifolius is a tree that reaches up to 6m (20ft) in height with a 3m spread when grown in open ground on the coast. It has a short trunk covered with a slightly warty brown bark and a spreading crown that gives it a flexible shape. Its evergreen leaves are arranged alternately, between 7.5 and 15 cm (3 and 6in) long, and composed of 5 to 9 elliptical or oblong green leaflets, when crushed they release a peppery and balsamic scent. Flowering occurs from May-June to July depending on the climate. The small cream-white flowers are arranged in highly branched clusters up to 10 cm (4in) long, mainly formed at the base of the upper leaves. They exude a scent of turpentine and pepper that attracts bees. The bees produce a honey called 'pink berry honey' with a delicate fragrance from the nectar. The Schinus is a dioecious tree: male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. After pollination, the female plants produce clusters of small round, pink-red shiny fruits 4 to 5 mm (1in) in diameter, delicately aromatic. Their flavour is a blend of pepper, anise, and sweet notes. Each berry contains a small seed with a peppery smell. 

The False Pepper Tree is a very attractive and uncommon plant that brings exoticism to coastal gardens, as long as it is not directly exposed to sea spray. This small tree likes warmth, sun, and deep soils that allow it to withstand dry periods. It can be associated with tall palm trees, Cordylines, Cycas, and other Banana Trees. When grown in a container it will remain smaller. It should be taken outside as soon as possible in spring and brought indoors in autumn before the first true frosts.