Schinus terebinthifolius                                        Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

Imported from Brazil as an ornamental plant, this evergreen shrub has a multi stemmed trunk and branches that form a tangled mass. The long elliptical dark green leaves give off an aromatic peppery odor when crushed, and chemicals in the leaves flowers and fruits can irritate human skin and respiratory passages.

Brazilian pepper thrives in disturbed areas, mangrove swamps and pinelands and the large clusters of bright red berries make this an easy plant to spot as you drive down Florida’s highways.

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