Care of the tree Schinus molle or Peruvian pepper |
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The genus Schinus, family Anacardiaceae, comprises 15 species of trees and shrubs native to South America. Some species are: Schinus molle, Schinus terebinthifolius, Schinus polygamus, Schinus latifolius, Schinus dependens. Common names: Peruvian pepper, American pepper, Peruvian peppertree, Peruvian mastic. This species is native to the Peruvian Andes. They are dioecious evergreen trees with hanging branches that reach 15 meters (49.2 feet) in height. They have long, thin alternate leaves of deep green or whitish color. The flowers are small and appear in white or greenish-yellow spikes. They bloom in spring. The fruits, similar to peppercorns, reddish or purple in color are decorative during fall and winter. They are used as isolated specimens in large or medium gardens and in public streets and parks. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Schinus molle needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. They do not resist frost. The soil can be a normal garden soil; they are not picky about the type of soil. Planting is done in autumn or winter. Water moderately throughout the year waiting for the soil to dry out. They are easy to grow trees and resistant to drought. They do not need pruning or fertilizers. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by woody cuttings in summer, by seeds sown in spring, by semi-woody cuttings in early spring, and by layering in late spring. |
Images of the tree Schinus molle or Peruvian pepper |
 Schinus molle  Schinus molle  Schinus molle  Schinus molle  Schinus molle |