The Pink Peppercorn Tree, Schinus molle, is an elegant, fast growing, evergreen tree with graceful weeping branches, wonderful textured bark and aromatic, dark green feathery foliage. It is a popular shade tree in regions of Australia with hot dry summers.
Schinus molle is also highly decorative with small cream flowers produced in abundance in late spring followed by pink berries which hang down like strings of beads from late autumn. It has a fast growth rate.
In 1982 the FDA banned the sale of pink peppercorns of Schinus molle, claiming they were toxic when eaten. That ban has been lifted, perhaps because the French, who grow them as a commercial crop, produced overwhelming evidence of their safety. Also, there’s reason to believe that the reactions were actually caused by the fruit of S. terebinthifolia.
However, if you’re allergic to cashews or mangoes, proceed with caution. These plants are all members of the Anacardiaceae family, and if you’re allergic to one, you may be allergic to another.
This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme
The pink berries "which hang down like strings of beads from late autumn" are eye catching. But the tree doesn't look Australian in my limited experience.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful berries are well photographed by you.
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