[Arid_gardener] Pepper Trees

[Cathy.Rymer at chandleraz.gov]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your question about pepper trees. 

Both California Pepper (Schinus molle) and Brazilian pepper (Schinus 
teribinthifolius) are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and 
female trees.  Small white flowers are borne profusely in axillary 
clusters with the female tree producing the small berries. 

Although it is not a true pepper, (they are members of the Anacardiaceae 
family) their dried berries are often sold as pink peppercorns.   Volatile 
terpenes are present in the berries, and can irritate the mucous membranes 
of sensitive people, so moderation is advised in using the berries as a 
condiment.  The seeds can be used as a spice if used in moderation, adding 
a pepper-like taste to food, but they are toxic in large amounts.  The 
Brazilian Pepper has aromatic sap that can cause skin reactions (similar 
to poison-ivy burns) in some sensitive people. 

Both of these trees are susceptible to Cotton Root Rot and have very 
brittle wood that is vulnerable to storm damage.

You might want to consider a Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) sometimes known as 
Monks Pepper or Chaste Tree.  Growing to a size of about 20 x 20, this 
tree flowers during the warm months with spikes of lavender flowers.  Some 
horticultural selections are available with pink or white flowers as well. 
 Small rounded seeds appear in the fall and winter and have a peppery 
flavor.  http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Vite_agn.html

Cathy Rymer
Certified Arborist
Master Gardener, U of A Cooperative Extension.
 
 >>>>
Arid Gardener:

A friend of mine is trying to get me to put a couple of pepper trees in my 
yard.  This is the type of pepper tree on which one can grow peppercorns 
to use as black pepper.  He recommends either a Brazilian pepper tree or 
an American pepper tree. 

Is this the type of tree that will grow well in Chandler, AZ or is someone 
telling me a story?  How much care is needed and are the peppercorns 
harvested from
the trees viable for using as ground pepper?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Joe Cady
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