Broad-leaved Pepper

Schinus terebinthifolius

Broad-leaved Pepper

DESCRIPTION

Spreading tree 3-7m tall by 10m wide with arching branches, dark brown or blackish ridged bark. Younger branches are covered in lenticels, hairy new stems. Alternate compound leaves with 5−9 dark green oval, ovate or slightly elongated leaflets 15-80mm long by 10-35mm wide. Petioles 20-30mm long, swollen at base; sub-sessile petiolules.

FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Inconspicuous clustered male and female flowers are borne on different plants throughout the year. Dense bunches of glossy round red fruits 4-6.5mm wide during winter months contain a single, hard light-brown seed.

HABITAT AND RANGE

Eastern Australia from Sydney to Lakeland Downs far north Queensland around habitation but also roadsides, waterways, urban bushland, open woodlands, disturbed sites and wetlands. Native to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.