Schinus

The genus Schinus, or Pepper tree (Schinus), includes 30 evergreen tender resinous tree-like and shrubby species growing up to b m in height. Complex non-pinnate leaves are usually alternate. In June-July, small unisexual yellowish-white flowers bloom. The fruits are reddish small drupes (fleshy fruit with lignified seed). Schinus molle, the Peruvian pepper (Schinus molle), is the most common of these species. It has a characteristic sparse rounded crown, a sinuous trunk covered with gray-brown cracking bark. The branches are drooping, pointing downwards. Green leathery leaves are linear-lanceolate curved, usually with a serrated edge. Greenish-yellow flowers are collected in rare hanging inflorescences-panicles. The fruit contains burning seeds that can be used instead of pepper, which is why in Italy they are called false pepper. However, when using them for food, special care should be taken, since they contain allergens that cause irritation of the mucous membrane. Brazilian pepper (S. terebinthifolius) is less common than the previous species. The crown is umbrella-shaped, the leaves on the upper side are dark green. Yellowish flowers are inconspicuous from a decorative point of view, which cannot be said about bright red fruits. From schinus trees that grow in nature, resin is extracted, the so-called missionary balm, which is widely used in industry. The wood is high-quality, dense, very hard.

The genus Schinus, or Pepper tree (Schinus), includes 30 evergreen tender resinous tree-like and shrubby species growing up to b m in height. Complex non-pinnate leaves are usually alternate. In June-July, small unisexual yellowish-white flowers bloom. The fruits are reddish small drupes (fleshy fruit with lignified seed).

Schinus molle, the Peruvian pepper (Schinus molle), is the most common of these species. It has a characteristic sparse rounded crown, a sinuous trunk covered with gray-brown cracking bark. The branches are drooping, pointing downwards. Green leathery leaves are linear-lanceolate curved, usually with a serrated edge. Greenish-yellow flowers are collected in rare hanging inflorescences-panicles. The fruit contains burning seeds that can be used instead of pepper, which is why in Italy they are called false pepper. However, when using them for food, special care should be taken, since they contain allergens that cause irritation of the mucous membrane.

Brazilian pepper (S. terebinthifolius) is less common than the previous species. The crown is umbrella-shaped, the leaves on the upper side are dark green. Yellowish flowers are inconspicuous from a decorative point of view, which cannot be said about bright red fruits. From schinus trees that grow in nature, resin is extracted, the so-called missionary balm, which is widely used in industry. The wood is high-quality, dense, very hard.

Cultivation

Schinuses are grown in parks and gardens or placed along streets, and they grow especially well in coastal areas. They are planted in the ground in the spring. The pepper tree has no special requirements for the soil, but prefers well-drained and fertilized with organic substances-2-3 kg per plant. Young plantings are recommended to be fed in the summer - a complex fertilizer (with a reduced nitrogen content) is diluted in water for irrigation. Young plants require pruning several times to promote tree formation. In the future, only remove dry and damaged branches.

Location

A place protected from the cold wind in the open sun is required. Sea spray plants are not afraid.

Temperature

These delicate plants can only be grown in mild climates. They cannot withstand temperatures below -7 °C, and with high humidity, they can be damaged even at 0 °C. Frosts damage young branches and the most tender parts of bushes.

Reproduction

The most common method is to sow seeds in a special soil in the fall. Seed germination is usually very high. Seedlings are planted one at a time in pots filled with soil, consisting of 2/3 of peat and 1/3 of sand, to which a complex fertilizer is added in the amount of 30 g per bucket of soil. After 2-3 years, they are planted on a permanent landing site. Less often, semi-lignified cuttings and air layers are used for reproduction.

The most common method is to sow seeds in a special soil in the fall. Seed germination is usually very high. Seedlings are planted one at a time in pots filled with soil, consisting of 2/3 of peat and 1/3 of sand, to which a complex fertilizer is added in the amount of 30 g per bucket of soil. After 2-3 years, they are planted on a permanent landing site. Less often, semi-lignified cuttings and air layers are used for reproduction.

Diseases

The pepper tree does not have any special problems associated with diseases. Root rot can affect young plants if they are grown in the ground with stagnant water. Try to avoid such a nuisance by treating it with fungicides.

Acquisition

Pepper trees are easily found in specialized nurseries and gardening centers, especially located in areas of mild climate-in coastal areas. They buy seedlings in the spring. Choose compact and well-formed plants. It should be taken into account when buying that schinus pollen provokes asthma attacks and skin irritation.