HomeNewsBriefHow to: Identify the broad-leaved pepper tree pest

How to: Identify the broad-leaved pepper tree pest

broad-leaved pepper tree
The broad-leaved pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius, is listed as a restricted invasive plant under Biosecurity Act 2014. Other common names include Brazilian holly, Brazilian pepper, Christmas berry.

Identification of pest plants is not always easy.

To help residents rid their yards of undesirable plants a Bundaberg Regional Council Plant Swap Program has been launched in partnership with and Bundaberg and District Landcare Association.

The broad-leaved pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius, is listed as a restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

It is a serious threat to native vegetation, rapidly colonising disturbed bushland, out-competing and replacing native grasses.

Other common names include Brazilian holly, Brazilian pepper and Christmas berry.

The broad-leaved pepper tree is native to South America and it was originally introduced as an ornamental shrub.

It can be identified by looking for the following features:

  • It can grow up to 7m high and 10m wide due to its spreading branches.
  • Broad leaved pepper tree fruit are glossy round fruit approximately 6mm in diameter, they are small and fleshy and bright red in colour when ripe.
  • The leaves and flowers of the broad-leaved pepper tree consist of 5 – 9 dark green leaflets and the leaves have a pepper smell when crushed.

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