NATIVE RANGE: Subtropical Brazil, Paraguay,
and Argentina.
DESCRIPTION: Brazilian pepper, (Schinus terebinthifolius) also known as
Christmas berry and Florida holly is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 3-7 meters tall or
more. Its trunk is often multiple-stemmed. When growing in open areas, the crowns of these
trees are broad and rounded and comprise numerous, long, arching leafy branches that reach
often reach the ground. The leaves are glossy, dark green above and pale green below. When
crushed the leaves produce a pungent aroma that has been described as "peppery".
The red berries (fruit) are produced in the winter (November to February).
ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Brazilian pepper is an aggressive invader that spreads
rapidly. It successfully colonizes many native plant communities including pine
flatwoods,
tropical hardwood hammocks, and mangrove forest. The trees form dense thickets in which
the low hanging limbs of the trees form a tangle of vegetation that is impossible to
penetrate. The soils beneath such trees are virtually sterile and support no other plants.
Surveys conducted by the South Florida Water Management District indicate Brazilian pepper
is the most widespread exotic plant in the state occupying more than 700,000 acres. Thus
the species is a serious threat to the diversity of natural systems. In addition Brazilian
pepper also poses several health and safety problems. A relative of poison ivy, direct
contact with the sap can cause skin irritation. Chemicals given off by the blooms can
cause sinus and nasal congestion, sneezing, headaches, and eye irritation.
HABITAT IN THE UNITED STATES: Brazilian pepper is found in Florida, Louisiana,
Texas, California, and Hawaii. It readily colonizes areas of disturbed soils such as road
right-of-ways, powerline easements, abandoned farmlands, canal banks, or soils disturbed
by natural events such as hurricanes. Since it is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions
it can survive in widely different soil types.
METHODS OF REPRODUCTION AND DISPERSAL: Flowering and
fruiting can occur sporadically throughout the year, however, the main flowering period is
September to October. Fruit production occurs during the winter (November to February), at
which time the branches are heavily laden with red fruits. Ripe fruit can remain on the
tree for up to 8 months. The fruits are eaten and transported by birds and mammals. They
can also be spread by flowing water. Birds are responsible for the spread of this species
to almost every terrestrial habitat in Florida.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT APPROACHES: Restoration of areas infested with Brazilian pepper
requires a long-term commitment to the elimination of all the trees in the area. Federal,
state, and local governments along with private conservation groups expend considerable
amounts of money and time each year to eliminate infestations. A few trees remaining on
private properties adjacent to the cleared area can negate all that work. The removal of
all seed sources from the area is essential to prevent reinfestation. Common methods for
eliminating the trees in residential areas include pulling up small seedlings and cutting
the trees to stumps. Herbicide is applied to the stumps to prevent
resprouting. In larger
areas with dense growth mechanical cutting with heavy equipment has proven to be cost
effective. In this method the stumps are also treated with herbicide immediately after
cutting with a follow up treatment approximately six months later to eliminate resprouts
or plants that have grown from seeds. There is currently no biological control agent
available for management of Brazilian pepper.
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL
MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND
CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE
REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, OR RECOMMENDATIONS.
For more information on the management of Brazilian pepper, please contact: your
local agricultural extenuation office, in Fort Myers you can contact 338-3232.
AUTHORS: Gordon Romeis and Lisa Douglass, Florida Department of
Environmental Protection.
Photographs: IFAS
Illustration: Jeanette Wood, Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
REFERENCES:
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. July 1997. "Brazilian Pepper Management Plan
for Florida".
2012 State of Florida