High Quality Schinus Trees For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Schinus Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of California Pepper trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Schinus trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Schinus

1. What is the English name for Schinus molle?

The most common English name for Schinus molle is Peruvian peppertree. It is also known by a variety of other names, including:

• American pepper
• California pepper tree
• Escobilla
• False pepper
• Molle del Peru
• Pepper tree
• Peppercorn tree
• Pirul
• Peruvian mastic
• Anacahuita o Aguaribay
• Pepperina

2. Is the Schinus molle poisonous?

Schinus molle is considered poisonous to humans and animals. The berries, leaves, and bark of the tree contain a variety of toxins, including schinusaldehyde, limonene, and alpha-terpineol. These toxins can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Gastrointestinal distress: Eating the berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Skin irritation: The sap and resin of the tree can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and rashes.
• Respiratory problems: The pollen and dust from the tree can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and rhinitis.

In severe cases, poisoning from Schinus molle can lead to death. However, this is rare. Most cases of poisoning are mild and resolve on their own.

3. Is Schinus molle edible?

The berries of Schinus molle, also known as Peruvian peppercorns, are considered safe to eat in small quantities. They have a peppery flavour and are often used as a spice in cooking. However, it is important to note that the berries can cause mild gastrointestinal distress in some people, so it is best to start with a small amount and increase gradually as needed.

4. What is Schinus molle good for?

Schinus molle, commonly known as the Peruvian peppertree, is a versatile plant with various uses in traditional medicine, culinary applications, and landscaping. Here's a comprehensive overview of its potential benefits:

Traditional Medicine:

• Antibacterial and Antiseptic Properties: Schinus molle has been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, infections, and skin ailments due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
• Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects: The plant's leaves and berries contain compounds that exhibit analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in pain relief and reducing inflammation.
• Diuretic and Antispasmodic Properties: Schinus molle has been used traditionally as a diuretic to promote fluid excretion and as an antispasmodic to relieve muscle spasms.
• Respiratory Issues: Some studies suggest that Schinus molle may have potential benefits in respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis due to its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.

Culinary Applications:

• Spice: The dried and roasted berries of Schinus molle, known as Peruvian peppercorns, are used as a spice in various cuisines. They have a peppery flavor with a hint of citrus and can be used to season meat, fish, vegetables, and desserts.
• Flavoring Agent: The leaves of Schinus molle can be used to flavor beverages, such as tea, and add a peppery taste to various dishes.
• Preservative: The essential oils extracted from Schinus molle have been used traditionally as a preservative for food and beverages due to their antimicrobial properties.

Landscaping and Ornamental Uses:

• Shade Tree: Schinus molle is a fast-growing evergreen tree that provides ample shade in parks, gardens, and along streets.
• Ornamental Appeal: The tree's attractive foliage, drooping branches, and clusters of pink berries make it a popular ornamental plant.
• Windbreak and Erosion Control: Schinus molle can be planted as a windbreak to protect other plants and reduce soil erosion.

Additional Potential Uses:

• Insect Repellent: Studies suggest that the essential oils of Schinus molle may have insecticidal properties and could be used as a natural insect repellent.
• Antifungal Properties: Some research indicates that Schinus molle may have antifungal properties, potentially useful for treating fungal infections.
• Antioxidant Effects: Studies suggest that Schinus molle extracts exhibit antioxidant activity, which could have beneficial implications for overall health.

It's important to note that while Schinus molle has a long history of traditional use and some potential benefits, more scientific research is needed to fully evaluate its efficacy and safety. It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal or traditional remedies.

5. What does Schinus molle smell like?

Schinus molle, also known as the Peruvian peppertree, has a unique and complex aroma that can be described as:

• Fresh and spicy: The berries have a sharp, peppery scent with a hint of citrus and floral notes.
• Warm and woody: The leaves and bark have a warm, woody aroma with subtle balsamic and resinous undertones.
• Sweet and slightly smoky: The overall fragrance of Schinus molle is often described as sweet and slightly smoky, reminiscent of juniper or angelica.
• Diffusive and long-lasting: The scent of Schinus molle is intense and diffusive, lingering in the air for a long time.

The aroma of Schinus molle is often used in perfumery to add a spicy, peppery character to fragrances. It is also used in aromatherapy to promote alertness, stimulate circulation, and enhance respiratory function.

6. Where is Schinus molle found?

Schinus molle is native to the arid regions of South America, particularly the Andean Mountains of Peru, Argentina, and Chile. It is also widely cultivated and naturalized in many other parts of the world, including:

• Mediterranean regions: Schinus molle is a common ornamental tree in Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal.
• Subtropical climates: The tree is found in subtropical regions around the world, including California, Florida, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
• Tropical highlands: Schinus molle is adapted to tropical highland climates and can be found in high-elevation areas of Central America and Africa.

The tree's preference for warm, dry climates and its ability to tolerate poor soil conditions have contributed to its widespread distribution beyond its native range. However, in some regions, Schinus molle has become an invasive species, outcompeting native plants and disrupting natural ecosystems.

7. What is the difference between Schinus molle and Schinus terebinthifolius?

Schinus molle and Schinus terebinthifolius are two closely related species of pepper trees belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. They share many similarities in appearance and general characteristics, but there are some key differences that distinguish them.

Leaf Morphology:

• Schinus molle: The leaves of Schinus molle are pinnately compound, meaning they have multiple leaflets arranged along a central rachis. The leaflets are small, oval-shaped, and have a smooth, leathery texture.
• Schinus terebinthifolius: The leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius are also pinnately compound, but they have larger, more elongated leaflets with a serrated or toothed margin. The texture of the leaflets is slightly rougher than that of Schinus molle.

Fruit Morphology:

• Schinus molle: The fruits of Schinus molle are small, spherical berries that ripen to a bright pink or red colour. The berries are smooth and fleshy, with a single seed inside.
• Schinus terebinthifolius: The fruits of Schinus terebinthifolius are also spherical berries, but they are slightly larger than those of Schinus molle. The berries ripen to a dark red or purple colour and have a slightly rougher texture.

Chemical Composition:

• Schinus molle: The essential oils of Schinus molle are rich in hydrocarbon monoterpenes, such as α-pinene and β-pinene. These compounds contribute to the peppery, citrusy aroma of the leaves and berries.
• Schinus terebinthifolius: The essential oils of Schinus terebinthifolius are rich in hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes, such as caryophyllene and α-humulene. These compounds impart a more woody, balsamic aroma to the leaves and berries.

Distribution and Ecological Impact:

• Schinus molle: Schinus molle is native to the Andean Mountains of South America and has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many subtropical and Mediterranean regions. It is considered an invasive species in some areas due to its ability to outcompete native plants and disrupt ecosystems.
• Schinus terebinthifolius: Schinus terebinthifolius is native to Brazil and has also been introduced to other subtropical and warm-temperate regions. It is considered less invasive than Schinus molle, but it can still pose a threat to native vegetation in some areas.

In summary, Schinus molle and Schinus terebinthifolius are closely related species that share many similarities, but they can be distinguished by their leaf morphology, fruit characteristics, chemical composition, and distribution patterns. Schinus molle is generally considered to be a more invasive species, while Schinus terebinthifolius is less aggressive in its spread.