Schinus areira

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Plant
ID 11 Schinus areira
Botanic Name Schinus areira
Common Name Peppercorn Tree, Molle, Californian Peppertree
Family Name Anacardiaceae
Cultivars syn. Schinus molle
Origin Peru, 1597, Zone 9-11
Growth Type Tree
Bark Type Fissured or Wrinkled
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Low
No. of Species 30
Growth Habit Narrow domed Growth Rate Medium
Height 8 - 15 m (27 - 50 ft) Spread 10 m (33 ft)
Plant Overview
This medium size tree has a narrow dome habit when young becoming broad with age with a gnarled and rough greyish trunk. It has dark green fern-like leaves and the small white male and female flowers appear in a cluster during summer followed by red fruit.
Leaf
Type Compound Additional Information
Shape Paripinnate
The leaf has up to 17 lanceolate leaflets that are up to 30 mm (1 in) long by 8 mm (1/3 in) wide with shallow serrated margins. They are aromatic and sticky when crushed.
Arrangement Alternate
Margin Entire
Colour Dark green
Size 180 - 200 mm ( 7.1 - 7.9 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Crateriform
The tiny male and female flowers have 5 petals and are found on the same or separate trees and are arranged in a terminal panicle. They appear from summer to autumn.
Inflorescence Panicle
Colour White
Size 3 - 5 mm ( 0.1 - 0.2 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Drupe Additional Information
Colour Red
The pink drupes are arranged in a weeping panicle and have a peppery taste. Note; care should be taken as the seeds are poisonous, containing an allergenic substance that irritates mucous membranes.
Edible Yes
Bird Attractive Yes
Size 6 - 7 mm ( 0.2 - 0.3 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained sandy to gravelly loam, moist to dry, poor-fertile, pH 6.0-7.5
Container Not normally, pots, tubs in glasshouse conditions for cool climates
Climate Warm temperate
Aspect Full sun, open position, drought and mildly frost tolerant
Pest & Diseases Bag shelter moths, canker, emperor gum moth
Fertiliser Mulch during spring and keep moist when young
Pruning Not necessary, train to a single leader, may be pruned up to reveal the trunk
Cultural Uses Propagation
The Peppercorn Tree is grown for its pendant foliage and its spreading crown. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen for shade or used along rivers for bank binding. It is suitable for drier inland regions or coastal positions.
Sow fresh seeds during spring and place in a protected environment until germination occurs. Prick out and pot up when large enough to handle.
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