Brazilian Peppertree

Imported from South America in the 1840s, Brazilian peppertree quickly spread into natural areas, taking over native tree hammocks, pine flatlands and mangrove forest communities. Once called "Florida holly" for its bright red berries, Brazilian pepper branches were often used as Christmas decorations in Florida.

It's against the law to sell or purposefully plant Brazilian peppertrees. If you have one in your landscape and want to remove it, be careful: its leaves and sap can irritate the skin. Cut down the plant and spray the stump with herbicide.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Schinus terebinthifolia: Brazilian Peppertree--UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas
• TAME: Brazilian Pepper Tree Project
• Video: Brazilian Pepper, In the Thicket--UF/IFAS Extension Lee County

UF/IFAS Publications

• Brazilian Peppertree Control
• Brazilian Peppertree Seed Chalcid, (unofficial common name) Megastigmus transvaalensis
• Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree in Florida