Common Name: Brazilian Peppertree

General Information

Brazilian peppertree is a lovely little evergreen tree with a dense, rounded crown of handsome leaves and very decorative fruit; it usually grows from 5 - 10 metres tall , though specimens up to 15 metres have been recorded. The short bole can be 30 - 60cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, condiment and source of materials. It can be grown as a hedge, in soil stabilization projects and as a pioneer for restoring woodland. It is widely cultivated in tropical areas, mainly as an ornamental but also for its seed which is sold in expensive speciality markets[].

Known Hazards

The seeds are known to cause rashes, vomiting and diarrhoea in some sensitive individuals[].
The plant is notorious for causing respiratory problems and dermatitis in people who are allergic to it[]. This is mainly caused by the copious pollen produced by male plants which produces a gaseous material[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern S. America - Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay.

Habitat

Moist lowland scrub[]. Found in a range of forest types, usually in secondary growth formations, favouring moister sites such as river banks and ditches, but also found in poor dry soils[]. Sands of the littoral[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Brazilian peppertree is a plant of subtropical to tropical climates, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,000 metres. It grows in areas where the mean annual temperature can range from 12 - 26°c, with a mean maximum temperature in the hottest month of 20 - 28°c, a mean minimum temperature in the coldest month of 8 - 24°c, and an absolute minimum temperature of -6°c. The mean annual rainfall is within the range 950 - 2,200mm[].
Prefers a sunny position in most well-drained soils, though also tolerating seasonal inundation of the soil[]. Succeeds in poor, dry soils and in acid conditions in the wild[].
This is a highly invasive species that has proved to be a serious weed in South Africa, Florida and Hawaii. It is also noted as invasive in other Caribbean and Indian Ocean islands. Rapid growth rate, wide environmental tolerance, prolific seed production, a high germination rate, seedling tolerance of shade, attraction of biotic dispersal agents, possible allelopathy and the ability to form dense thickets all contribute to this species' success in its exotic range[, ].
A fast-growing species, easily reaching a height of 4.5 metres within 2 years[].
The tree can start producing seed when only 3 years old[].
The holly-like fruit is very popular for Christmas decoration in some areas[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Seed - a peppery flavour. A popular alternative spice, it is used to flavour Cajun and Nouvelle cuisines[, ]. Some caution is advised - see notes above on toxicity[].

Medicinal

The aromatic plant is considered astringent and tonic[].

A gum resin obtained from the plant is applied externally in the treatment of cornea diseases, tumours and leprosy[].

The bark is antineuralgic, depurative and febrifuge[]. It is used in the treatment of the coughing up of blood and afflictions of the uterus[].

Triterpenoid acids are found in the leaves, fruit and bark[].
An essential oil in the plant is predominantly gamma-terpinene[]. It has antimicrobial properties[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree has been used to stabilize sand dunes on the Brazilian Atlantic coast, and is also sometimes grown as a hedge[].
The tree has a high ecological plasticity, a short life cycle and very rapid growth; it is therefore recommended for the restoration of degraded areas and especially gallery forests[].

Other Uses

A resin called 'Balsamo de misiones' is obtained from the trunk[, ].

The tree (bark?) is a source of tannins[].

Essential oils extracted from the seeds have pesticidal activity against the housefly (Musca domestica)[].

The wood is a dark yellow, turning red on exposure. It is moderately heavy, very dense, hard, soft to work with, with excellent mechanical properties and of high natural durability[, ]. It is ideal for making fine furniture, for which it is highly valued in Brazil[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of above 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 15 days[].

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