Plant Profile and Growing Hints
A fast growing evergreen tree Schinus Molle is commonly called Peppercorn tree or ‘Peruvian Peppercorn Tree’
It is widely used in landscaping is found widely in parks and is found gardens across Eastern and Southern Australia.
Grown grown for the attractive weeping habit as well as the trunk which develops character over time. It will reach a mature size in 15 – 20 years depending on conditions.
The foliage is very attractive, although the berries have been traditionally cooked as well as used for medicinal purposes the seeds from the berries in quantities can cause vomiting and the sap or resin can cause dermatitis.
The foliage is aromatic when rubbed. The red ‘peppercorns’ follow the flowers which are white to green and insignificant.
Schinus Molle Landscaping Uses
In the right situation this can make a good shade tree, although it is seen as invasive as the seeds are easily spread by birds. The tree is also best not planted where the fruit and flowers can drop on cars and pathways.
Tolerant of drought and hot dry summers it has been widely grown, in both urban and rural landscapes.
Used widely as a street tree as well as in parks and gardens, it is low maintenance and drought tolerant once established.
Pruning Schinus molle
This is a tree that naturally forms am attractive shape and requires little pruning ing other than the removal of dead or damaged wood.
It is a tee that can be copied or pollarded if desired.
Height / Crown Size / Growth Rate
Over time Schinus molle will reach around 8 – 12 metres (30ft) in height with a spreading grown to around 8 metres. As with all tree growth rate will vary depending on soil and climate, however growth rate it is regarded a medium to fast at around .5m each year.
Details
- Botanical Name – Schinus molle
- Common Name – Peppercorn tree
- Family – Anarcsrdiaceae
- Origins – South America from Argentina to Ecuador.
- Height – To around 8 – 12m (45ft)
- Spread – Forms a rounded crown to around 7 – 10m across.
- Growth rate – Medium to fast.
- Foliage – Deep green with a light feathery look.
- Flowers – Small white flowers followed by berries.
- Position – Full sun
- Soil – Any well drained soil
- Drought tolerant – yes
Foliage and Flower
The foliage is a mid to deep green, and lance shaped, serrated on the leaf margins. Overall the foliage develops an attractive slightly weeping habit.
Small white flowers appear in spring to summer, followed by red to pink fruits
Schinus Molle is available for sale from the following wholesale nurseries
1750 Westernport Rd Heath Hill VIC 3981
Australias largest grower of semi advanced native and deciduous trees. .9 - 2.6mts high. Supplying councils, developers and landscapers. Includes Acacia implexa, acacia melanoxlylon.
www.dream-time.com.au
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au