Family: Anacardiaceae
Common Name: Pepper Tree

This genus contains around 25 species of ever-green trees, all natives of South America, and all of graceful habit. These deliciously aromatic trees are mostly grown as shade or street trees. They are not generally recommended for the smaller garden as they have strong surface roots.

Species

S. molle, pepper tree or Peruvian mastic tree, is probably the best known species, a native of South America and growing to 25 m (80 ft) in height. It has a wide-spreading crown and weeping branches clothed with green, pinnate leaves, and pendulous trusses of white-yellow flowers in winter through to summer. The fruits are reddish pink. Trunks of old trees become gnarled and furrowed.

S. terebinthifolius, Brazilian pepper tree, is a smaller tree of about 6 m (20 ft), with stiffer, more upright branches. Drooping sprays of tiny white, summer flowers are followed by clusters of bright red berries.

Cultivation

In climates prone to hard frosts, grow as pot plants in an intermediate green-house or conservatory, using soil-based potting compost. Provide good light, but shade from direct sun. Outdoors, grow in well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil, in full sun. Propagate from seed in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both in a heated propagating case.

Climate

Zone 9 or 10.