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California Pepper Tree, Schinus molle

California Pepper Tree, Schinus molle: Arrowhead Ranch. January 21, 2006.

California Pepper Tree, Schinus molle	California Pepper Tree, Schinus molle
California Pepper Tree, Schinus molle	California Pepper Tree, Schinus molle Leaves

California Pepper Tree Schinus molle, Cashew Family: ( Anacardiaceae ), California Pepper Tree. Also called: Brazilian peppertree, Peruvian peppertree, aroeira, aroeira salsa, escobilla, Peruvian mastic tree, mastic-tree, aguaribay, American pepper, anacahuita, castilla, false pepper, gualeguay, Jesuit's balsam, molle del Peru, mulli, pepper tree, pimentero, pimientillo, pirul. Brazilian peppertree is a shrubby tree with narrow, spiky leaves. It grows 12 to 36 feet tall, with a trunk 9 to 18 inches in diameter. In the summer it produces an abundance of small flowers formed in panicles that bear a great many small, flesh-colored, berry-like fruits in December and January. It is native to South and Central America and can also be found in the semitropical and tropical regions of the United States and Africa. In both North and South America, there are three different trees - Schinus molle, Schinus aroeira, and Schinus terebinthifolius - all of which are interchangeably called "peppertrees." California Pepper Tree is a small bushy evergreen tree or large shrub with compound leaves and shiny red berrys. They are added to Chilean wines; and are dried and ground up for a pepper substitute in the tropics. It is in the same family as Poison Ivy. Older trees develop characteristically burled trunks and branches. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping Be sure to plant California Pepper Tree away from paving, near house foundations, patio paving or entrances, in lawns, or near sewers and drains; because its roots crawl along near the surface and can cause destruction. Their leaves look bright green and healthy even under drought conditions, but what really happens is that while the leaves stay green, their branches may hollow out and when the wind comes the branches snap off. Height: 12 To 36 feet. Spread may reach 40 feet. Flowers: 6 inch long panicles (clusters) of tiny yellow - white flowers. Flowering Time: June - August. Leaves: Pinnate odd, 3 to 13 leaflets ( usually 7 ), leaves are 5 - 8 inches long, each of the 3 - 13 ( usually 7 ) leaflets are 1 - 2 inches long. Single tip leaflet. Bark: Light brown and rough but becomes furrowed into narrow, firm ridges and darkens with age. Fruit: Pink to red berry like drupes. Found: Origin Peru. Found in South and Central America, Tropical and subtropical parts of the world, including USA. Elevation: 850 to 1,600 Feet. Habitat: Landscaping. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken at Arrowhead Ranch. January 21, 2006.