Schinus molle (Peruvian pepper, also known as American pepper, Peruvian peppertree, escobilla, false pepper, rosé pepper, molle del Peru, pepper tree, peppercorn tree, California pepper tree, pirul (in Mexican Spanish site), Peruvian mastic, Anacahuita o Aguaribay and Pepperina) is an evergreen tree that grows to 15 meters (50 feet). It is native to an area from the Peruvian Andes to southern Brazil. The bright pink fruits of Schinus molle are often sold as "pink peppercorns" although S. molle is unrelated to true pepper (Piper nigrum). The word molle in Schinus molle comes from mulli, the Quechua word for the tree. The tree is host to the pepper-tree moth, Bombycomorpha bifascia.
The Peppercorn Tree is resistant to disease and, in general, is not susceptible to many illnesses. As for maintenance, this species is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after flowering. Peppercorn Treet is well suited to anyone with an outdoor area, like a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.
How to keep Schinus Areira.
Light
Peppercorn Tree is native to open habitats, like sunlit meadows and forest margins, which offer plenty of light. It does best in Full Sun but can endure Partial Sun, showing good adaptability to different sunlight levels.
Temperature
Peppercorn Tree adapts well to temperature, able to withstand higher heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot conditions, it’s important to monitor watering and provide some shade to avoid sunburn. Conversely, Peppercorn Tree is relatively sensitive to cold. While it can tolerate a certain amount of chill, very low temperatures can cause frost damage.
Fertilizer
Timing is essential for fertilizing the Peppercorn Tree. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue once a month until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Schinus
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 10.06 m to 14.94 m
- Mature Spread
- 7.92 m to 11.89 m
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Olive Drab
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Brazil, Bolivia
Other names.
