Fauna
Plant

Brazilian Pepper

Schinus terebinthifolia

Also known as Brazilian Peppertree, Florida Holly, Christmasberry Tree, Aroeira

Brazilian pepper forms sprawling, dense evergreen thickets that rapidly displace native vegetation across subtropical wetlands, coastal ridges, and disturbed corridors. Clusters of glossy crimson drupes ripen throughout autumn and winter, providing a massive food source for overwintering songbirds that inadvertently disperse the seeds. Related closely to poison ivy, its leaves and resinous sap release volatile organic compounds capable of triggering contact rashes and respiratory distress.

InvasiveEvergreenAromatic
Brazilian Pepper reference1 / 7
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Brazilian Peppertree Thrips
  • Yellow-rumped Warbler
  • Cedar Waxwing
ThreatsTargeted herbicide applications, introduced biocontrol insects, and severe freezes
HabitatsSubtropical hammocks, disturbed roadsides, pinelands, and wetland margins
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderSapindales
  2. FamilyAnacardiaceae
  3. GenusSchinus
  4. SpeciesSchinus terebinthifolia
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Sap causes contact dermatitis, and wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Why it is dangerous
Resinous sap contains phenolic compounds related to urushiol that cause intense blistering dermatitis, eye irritation, and respiratory distress.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for alternate pinnately compound leaves with winged stems, aromatic resin, and dense winter clusters of small red drupes.
What to do
Wear heavy gloves and long sleeves when handling cut brush, and avoid standing downwind of wood chippers or bonfires.
Responsible observation
  • Identification Clue: Crush a fallen leaf between protected fingers to detect a sharp, pungent turpentine aroma.
  • Disposal Hazard: Never burn cut branches, because aerosolized sap oils inflame eyes and bronchial passages.
  • Fruiting Season: Look for heavy clusters of bright red berries decorating female trees from October to February.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…