Pepper tree ∗ The great guide from A to Z (Schinus)

Characteristics

• Scientific name: Schinus
• Family: Sumac family (Anacardiaceae)
• Genus: Pepper trees with 30 species
• Origin: Central and South America
• Growth type: shrub or tree
• Growth height: 9 m to 15 m
• Leaf: pinnate
• Flower: panicle
• Fruit: drupe
• Toxicity: slightly toxic
• Hardiness: not hardy
• Use: houseplant, winter garden, summer balcony

growth

Of the pepper tree forms its own genus within the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) with 30 species. In its Central and South American homeland, the evergreen tree is part of the usual landscape. In this country, some Schinus species are recognized as impressive potted plants, which present themselves all year round with these growth characteristics:

• growth type: Large shrub or tree with evergreen, pinnate leaves, yellowish-white flower spikes and red, pea-sized drupes.
• growth habit: depending on the species, multi-stemmed and upright or single-stemmed and overhanging.
• growth height in the habitat: 9m to 15m.
• Growth height as a container plant: 3m to 10m.
• stem bark: grey-brown, smooth at first, deeply grooved and gnarled with age.
• Horticulturally interesting properties: easy to care for, sensitive to frost, tolerates pruning, pollinators required.

Brazilian pepper tree in its homeland

Sheet

The pepper tree dresses its impressive crown in filigree leaves with these characteristics:

• leaf shape: stalked, 15 cm to 30 cm long, pinnate with 7 to 27 leaflets.
• leaflets: sessile, entire or serrate, ovate or linear-lanceolate, depending on the species.
• leaf color: green-glossy
• arrangement: alternate
• Special sheet property: leaves rubbed between the fingers exude an aromatic-spicy scent of pepper.

blossom

The pepper tree thrives dioeciously with separate sexes. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The following overview summarizes the flower characteristics worth knowing:

• inflorescence: terminal, richly branched, up to 20 cm long panicle with numerous small individual flowers.
• single flower: short-stalked, five-fold, yellowish-white, double perianth
• Identifying feature male single flower: up to 10 stamens.
• Identifying feature female single flower: ovary on the short style.
• heyday: April to June.

fruit

Decorative drupes with the following attributes form on the female pepper tree in late summer and autumn:

• fruit type: spherical drupe.
• size: 4 mm to 6 mm in diameter.
• color: green when immature, later pink-red to dark red.
• fruit ripening: July to December (hence the middle name Christmas berry for the Brazilian pepper tree).
• stone core: a 3 mm red-brown seed in each drupe.
• fruit property: edible, aromatic mild heat with a taste similar to juniper.
• use: Pepper substitute, floristry (especially as a Christmas decoration), natural medicinal plant (antiseptic, diuretic, laxative).

The toxicity of pepper tree fruit is controversial. The ingredient that poses a health risk is cardanol. This chemical compound is also found in other sumac plants, such as the husks of cashew nuts. In view of a minimum concentration of 0.03 percent, pepper tree drupes would have to be consumed in large quantities in order to trigger irritation of the mucous membranes as a symptom of poisoning.

Pepper Tree Species

In Central Europe, these two pepper tree species have established themselves as extravagant pot plants:

Plant pepper tree

A ready-to-plant pepper tree can only be bought sporadically in well-stocked specialist shops in Germany. Hobby gardeners are not discouraged and grow the exotic shrubs from seeds. Certified seed is readily available with prices starting at €2.50 for 50 seeds. The following sections provide brief and compact information about the successful sowing, expert planting technique and the right location:

sowing

The time window for the sowing by Schinus-Samen is open all year round. The fresher the seed, the lower the failure rate. How to properly sow pepper tree seeds:

1. Soak seeds in lukewarm, boiled water for 24 to 48 hours.
2. Mix seed soil and coconut soil in equal parts, add some sand and fill into seed containers.
3. Sow moist seeds 5 mm to 10 mm deep and press down.
4. Moisten the substrate with a fine spray of low-lime water (do not soak).
5. Keep constantly slightly moist in a bright spot in a heatable room greenhouse at 18° to 24° Celsius.
6. The germination time is 4 to 8 weeks.

Schinus seedlings are transplanted into individual pots about a month after germination and from then on cared for like adult shrubs.

planting tips

Plant the pepper tree in high-quality potting soil with coarse-grained additives, such as lava granules(€14.00 at Amazon*) or expanded clay. The addition of coconut soil optimizes the structural stability and creates an airy, fluffy consistency with excellent storage capacity for water and nutrients. A drainage on the bottom of the container allows excess irrigation water to run off faster, so that no waterlogging forms. A plant trolley guarantees effortless mobility when the fast-growing pepper tree develops into a heavyweight.

Location

When choosing a location, the pepper tree proves its adaptability. Ideally, the evergreen beau embarks on a wandering through the seasons for growth at its best.

• Full sun to very bright location (penumbra and shade are tolerated with impairment of compact crown formation).
• From spring to autumn preferably outside on the sunny balcony or the light-flooded terrace.
• Bright and frost-free under glass in winter.
• Optionally all year round in conservatories, entrance halls, living and working rooms.

The dates for clearing and putting away are based on the minimum temperature of 0° Celsius for the Brazilian pepper tree. Peruvian pepper tree tolerates up to -10° Celsius for a short time, but should of course only be exposed to this cold shock in an emergency.

digression

Real pepper is a climbing plant

Cultivate pepper tree

Only the stone fruits and leaves are peppered with the Schinus, but by no means its requirements for care. The water and nutrient supply is suitable for beginners. Species-appropriate hibernation stands and falls with the conditions in the winter quarters. Repotting takes place annually or every two years, depending on the Schinus species. You can cut a pepper tree as you wish, except for one tricky spot. It's worth taking a look at these care tips:

• Pour: Water the pepper tree regularly when the soil has dried to ensure constant substrate moisture without waterlogging (the leaves trickle under drought stress).
• Fertilize: Add a liquid fertilizer for tropical potted plants to the irrigation water weekly from April to September.
• wintering: Schinus species overwinter bright and frost-free at 8° to 10° Celsius, keep the substrate slightly moist, not fertilize, Leaves spray as a prevention against spider mites.
• repot: Peruvian pepper tree annually, repot Brazilian pepper tree every two years at the end of wintering.
• cutting care: Thin out pepper trees if necessary and to cut in the spring.
• Extra tip: When pruning, only cut the top bud on the dominant central shoot (stem) when no further growth is desired (see growth law of the top promotion).

Under the influence of winter lack of light, a pepper tree often sheds its leaves. This is no cause for concern. From April/May new shoots begin.

Popular Varieties

Pepper tree varieties are not yet available.

FAQ

Which irrigation water can be used for the pepper tree?

The irrigation water quality is an important aspect in expert pepper tree care. In many places, the water flowing out of the tap is too hard, which is not good for exotic potted plants such as the pepper tree. Following the example of Mother Nature, rainwater is perfect for regular water supply. If you don't have the means to collect sufficient amounts of rainwater, this trick will help: hang a jute bag with peat in a full watering can for at least one day. After this period, the acidic peat will have neutralized almost all of the lime in the water. You can reuse the useful bag up to three times.

How often do I water my pepper tree as a container plant?

The watering frequency is closely related to the season and local site conditions. For this reason, there is no general rule of thumb. Beginners in pepper tree care should take these points to heart: Keep the substrate continuously moist at a low level. Avoid waterlogging and dry balls. Before each watering process, use your fingers to determine whether the upper one to two centimeters of the soil actually feel dry.

Are there any pests to worry about on the Brazilian pepper tree?

Essential oils are stored in the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolia). These peppery substances keep most pests at bay. If it hibernates too warmly, a pepper tree can become a victim of spider mites or aphids. The best prevention is a place in frost-free, cool winter quarters at 8° Celsius.

How to care for a pepper tree as a bonsai?

A pepper tree bonsai is easy to care for. Schinus species are equally suitable as indoor bonsai and cold house bonsai. Do not let the substrate in the bowl dry out at any time of the year. From March to September fertilize weekly with a liquid, organic bonsai fertilizer in double concentration. A pepper tree bonsai is repotted every three to four years in spring. With good care, the mini tree grows up to 10 centimeters per month. For a decorative appearance, prune the Schinus bonsai in early May, late June and mid-August.