California peppertree
Schinus molle L.
Schinus molle, known as the California peppertree, is an evergreen tree native to the Peruvian Andes and southern Brazil. It can grow up to 15 m tall and is part of the Anacardiaceae family. The tree's bright pink fruits are commonly sold as 'pink peppercorns,' though it is not related to black pepper. The name 'molle' originates from the Quechua word 'mulli,' referring to the tree. It is a host plant for the pepper-tree moth, Bombycomorpha bifascia.
Description
Schinus molle is a member of the genus Schinus and is widely distributed across regions including BR, Chía, TR, ZA, HR, CU, YE, IT, PT, MX, IQ, CD, BW, GR, IL, JO, AR, the Canary Is., Greece, and Israel. First described in 1753, the tree is notable for its ornamental and culinary use due to its pink fruits. It is often cultivated for its aesthetic appeal and the use of its fruits in seasoning. The species is also ecologically significant as a host for the pepper-tree moth.
Other common names
Peruvian peppertreeFalse Pepper TreeCalifornia peppertreePeruvian-mastictreepeppertree
Distribution
BR · Chía, vereda Yerbabuena, Sede del Instituto Caro y Cuervo · TR · ZA · HR · CU · YE · IT · PT · MX · IQ · CD · BW · GR · IL · JO · AR · Canary Is. · Greece · Israel · Italy · Madeira · Portugal · Sardegna (Sardinia) · Malta · Spain · Croatia · RW · LY · AO
Synonyms
Schinus molle var. huyngan
