Common Name: Peruvian Peppertree

General Information

Peruvian peppertree is a fast growing, evergreen tree with a wide, multi-branched crown of weeping foliage; it generally grows 6 - 8 metres tall, though on good sites it can reach a height of up to 15 metres[]. The short, cylindrical bole can be 25 - 35cm in diameter[].
A multipurpose tree commonly used by local people, it is harvested from the wild and used locally as a food, medicine and source of various commodities. The tree has also been recommended for use in agroforestry systems. A very elegant tree, it is grown as an ornamental in gardens[].

Known Hazards

The seed contains an allergenic substance that can irritate the mucus membrane[]. In large quantities, they can be toxic[].
The leaves can cause contact dermatitis[].
The gum-resin found in the bark can give rise to contact dermatitis[].
The pollen, either on contact or when inhaled, can cause dermatitis and asthmatic reactions[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern and western S. America - Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador.

Habitat

Dry regions in the Andes, it is found as a bush in dry lands but reaches tree size in dry river beds with accessible underground water[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the subtropics to higher elevations in the tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 3,900 metres, especially near the Equator. It is found especially in drier areas with a mean annual rainfall in the range 300 - 700mm[]. The mean annual temperature is in the range 15 - 20°c, established plants can tolerate some frost[].
Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun, but also tolerates the light shade of other trees[, ]. It likes growing in sandy soils[] and succeeds in a hot dry position[]. It grows well on stony sites and slopes[, ]. It is tolerant of some salinity in the soil and also alkalinity[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.5, tolerating 6 - 8.5[]. Established plants are extremely drought resistant[]. Tolerant of salt-laden winds[].
The plant has been introduced to many other areas, from the warm temperate zone to the tropics. It has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in some areas[].
Seedling trees are easily established and are fast growing - after one year they will normally have attained a height of 3 metres and they reach maturity in less than 20 years[].
The tree has a low-branching habit and pruning of lower branches is recommended when the tree is young[].
Trees respond well to coppicing and pollarding[, ].
The oily leaves smell and taste of pepper when they are crushed[].
Dioecious, both male and female forms must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

The dried and roasted berries are used as a pepper substitute[, , , , , ]. The seeds are sometimes sold as pink pepper[]. The fruit is 5 - 9mm in diameter, bright red when mature, later turning black[]. It has a thin, leathery pulp that contains aromatic oils and has a sweet taste[]. There are one or two seeds per fruit[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
An intoxicating liquor known as ‘copalocle’ or ‘copalote’ is obtained by fermenting the fruit with pulque for 1 - 2 days[].

An essential oil distilled from the fruit is used as a spice in baked goods and candy[].

The fruits are pulverised and used in cooling drinks called 'horchatas' in S. America[, , ].

A wine is made from the twigs and another from the berries[, ].

A gum that exudes from the bark is used for chewing[, ].

Medicinal

The plant is rich in essential oils and has a long history of medicinal uses throughout South and Central America. It is still used in modern herbalism, especially since it exhibits significant activity against viral and bacterial infections[, ].
Several mono and sesqui-terpenes have been identified in the essential oil[].
The fruits contain triterpenoid acids[].

The bark is astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, tonic and vulnerary[]. It is useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, inflammations and tumours[, ].

A resinous gum, known as 'American mastic' is obtained from the heated bark[, , ]. It is taken internally as a purgative[], and has been used in folk medicine to treat digestive disorders and adenitis[, ].
The powdered bark is used as a purgative for domestic animals[].

The leaves are antirheumatic, stimulant and sudorific[]. The leaf juice is used to treat ophthalmia and rheumatism[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast growing natural pioneer species in its native range, it is typically found in disturbed areas with secondary growth, roadsides and on agricultural lands[].
The tree is planted for soil conservation, soil improvement, windbreaks, shade and as an ornamental. Although it is evergreen and keeps about 75% of its foliage around the year, the fallen leaves, branches and fruits contribute significantly to soil fertility[].
The ability to grow on stony sites and steep slopes makes it suitable for erosion control[].

Other Uses

Tannin is obtained from the bark[, ].

An aromatic resin is obtained from the bark[, ]. It is used as a mastic[].

A latex is produced from many parts of the tree[, ].

All parts of the tree have a high content of essential oil[]. The oil is used medicinally and also as a fungicide against some common storage and animal pathogenic fungi[].
The essential oil in the fruit has a flavour resembling that of a mixture of fennel and pepper[].
An oil from the leaves reduces the surface tension of water[].

The leaves are used as an insect repellent[].

The heartwood is a dull, light red, deepening upon exposure and becoming more or less purplish and rather oily looking; it is distinct, but not sharply demarcated, from the brownish-grey sapwood. The texture is medium to fine, uniform; the grain variable, often irregular. The wood is moderately hard and heavy, very durable and termite resistant. Easy to work, it is suitable for outdoor use such as fencing posts, and is also used for lathe work[, , ].
The wood is used for fuel and charcoal[, ].

Propagation

Seed - the oil in the pericarp may inhibit germination, so it is important to wash the seeds thoroughly in running water for 24 hours before sowing - this will also prevent the seed from attracting ants in the seedbed and protect from fungal infections. The seeds can be sown in a nursery seedbed or directly in individual containers, placing two seeds in each container. It is recommended to use a light and permeable substrate, maybe because inhibitors need to be washed out before the seeds can germinate[]. Germination starts after about two weeks and is normally terminated after four weeks. Germination is reported to be 60 - 80% but in some places, especially where the species is grown outside the area of natural distribution, low germination in the nursery is a problem[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and, when they are 30 - 35 cm tall, they are ready for planting in the field[].
Seeds can be stored for at least 12 months[].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 8cm with a heel, August to early September in a frame. Fair to good percentage[].

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