Schinus terebinthifolius

Brazilian pepper tree ( S. terebinthifolius )

The Brazilian pepper tree ( Schinus terebinthifolius ), also called Christmas berry, belongs to the family Anacardiaceae ( Anacardiaceae ).

Description

The Brazilian pepper tree grows up to 9 meters high and has a rounded crown with greenish- bronze, pinnate leaves. The tiny, yellowish - white flowers are arranged in panicles, and are made in the summer. From these, which develop during the aging of the eye-catching, red, long-lasting fruits and stand together in dense panicles later little green berries develop. The glossy foliage gives off a peppery smell when you rub it or breaks.

Pharmacology

Schinus terebinthifolius contains 3.3 to 5.2 % essential oil. This consists mainly of the monoterpenes α - and β -phellandrene, limonene, p- cymene, Silvestren, myrcene, α -pinene, trans- terpine, perilla aldehyde, 3 -carene and carvacrol. Also contains the fruits cardanols, their concentration varies between 0.03 % ( Reunion ) and 0.05 % ( in Florida). Some time after eating can mucosal irritations occur. Skin tests with cardanol proved strong skin irritation with long latency. Presumably, may cause headaches, swelling of the eyelids and respiratory depression emanating from the fruit vapors. Although after Schwenker & Skopp for self- testing and use as a spice emanating from any irritant effect of the plant, they should be regarded as toxic.

Use

The fruits of this Brazilian herb are "Berry Pink " used under the name " pink pepper ", " rosé pepper " or as a spice, but they are not a true pepper but be colored pepper (black, white and green) for aesthetic reasons instead of perishable red pepper added. You are of mild aromatic flavor. The fruits are often used as Christmas decorations, it also is the middle name "Christmas berry ".

Dissemination

The Brazilian pepper tree is native to Central and South America. In the United States in 1840 imported species is an ornamental plant to Florida today undesirable because it wild and overgrown natural habitats. Large areas of the Everglades are now pure pepper tree stocks and attempts to use millions of dollars to re- liberate areas of this plant. The possession or planting is illegal in Florida. The trees are frost sensitive and require a minimum temperature of 5 ° C.