Schinus terebinthifolia

Common name: Brazilian Pepper Tree

Meaning of name:

Schinus is from the mastic tree, Pistacia, which this resembles. Terebinthifolia is from the Latin words terebinthus, meaning the terebinth tree (Pistacia), and folius, meaning leaved.

Distribution:

Occurs in coastal areas of Western Australia. Also occurs in eastern Australia.

Description:

An evergreen tree with dark green, leathery leaves. Male trees produce small cream flowers in summer. Female trees produce many small red berries up to 5 millimetres in diameter.

Notes:

This species is originally from South America.

Birds probably spread the seeds. The tree produces suckers from damaged roots and regrows vigorously from the stump when cut.

References:

Western Weeds, A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. BMJ Hussey, GJ Keighery, J Dodd, SG Lloyd, RD Cousens. 1997.

Urban Bushland Council https://www.bushlandperth.org.au/weeds/brazilian-pepper-tree/

Atlas of Living Australia https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2909092

Florabase https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/48834