South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay)
Imported in the late 1890s and later in 1926 as a landscape ornamental
Long-term management
Brazilian peppertree is an evergreen shrub or tree with shiny green alternate compound leaves, white flowers, and small clusters of bright red fruits. The multi-stemmed crossing branches often form an arching impenetrable thicket. Two genetic types of Brazilian peppertree have hybridized in Florida. These hybrid trees have higher survival and growth rates than the native South American trees.
Brazilian peppertree forms a dense canopy that shades out native plants in developed areas and natural areas. It also produces allelopathic chemicals in the soil, which prevent other plants from growing. It displaces rare and endangered plants and encroaches on nesting habitat of the threatened gopher tortoise. Brazilian peppertree is a host for an invasive species of root weevil that damages Florida’s citrus trees. In addition, it may cause a rash in some sensitive people.
Brazilian peppertrees invade disturbed sites such as highway rights-of- way and fallow fields. They also can be found in natural areas, including drained bald cypress stands, pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and mangrove forests.
EVERGLADES CISMA SIGNATORIES
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Last updated May 2023 / Privacy