Care of the tree Schinus polygamus or Chilean pepper tree |
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The genus Schinus, family Anacardiaceae, comprises about 15 species of trees and shrubs native to South America. Some species are: Schinus polygamus, Schinus latifolius, Schinus molle, Schinus terebinthifolius, Schinus dependens. Common name: Chilean pepper tree, Hardee peppertree. This species is native to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Uruguay. They are fast-growing, rounded-topped trees or shrubs that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in width. The deep green leathery leaves are oblong or lanceolate. The flowers appear in the axils of the branches and are yellowish. They produce fruits in the form of blue-black drupes. Chilean pepper tree is used as isolated specimens, in bushy groups, to form screens and to cover dry and sunny slopes. Schinus polygamus needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. It resists frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF). Hardee peppertree grows well in poor, stony or sandy soils and in normal garden soil with plenty of coarse sand. Chilean pepper tree is a drought-resistant plant that needs moderate watering, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. Schinus polygamus does not need fertilizers or pruning. Hardee peppertree is a very resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Schinus polygamus is easily propagated from seed sown in spring. |
Images of the tree Schinus polygamus or Chilean pepper tree |
 Schinus polygamus  Schinus polygamus  Schinus polygamus |