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Taxon  Report  
Schinus molle  L.
Peruvian pepper tree,   Peruvian peppertree
Schinus molle is a tree that is not native to California.
Cal-IPC rating: limited
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Observation Search
~2256 records in California
redone or more occurrences
within a 7.5-minute quadrangle
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Bloom Period
Genus: Schinus
Family: Anacardiaceae  
Category: angiosperm  
PLANTS group:Dicot
Jepson eFlora section: eudicot

Toxicity: Do not eat any part of this plant.

Wetlands:
Arid West: Occurs usually in non wetlands, occasionally in wetlands
Mountains, Valleys and Coast: Occurs in non wetlands

Name Status:
Accepted by JEF + PLANTS

Information about  Schinus molle from other sources

[Wikipedia] Culinary Uses: Although not related to commercial pepper (Piper nigrum) the pink/red berries are sold as pink peppercorns and often blended with commercial pepper.The fruit and leaves are, however, potentially poisonous to poultry, pigs and possibly calves.[6] Records also exist of young children who have experienced vomiting and diarrhea after eating the fruit.[6] Presently Schinus molle lacks generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status with the United States Food and Drug Administration. Extracts of S. molle have been used as a flavor in drinks and syrups. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)


Suggested Citation
Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals. [web application]. 2024. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: https://www.calflora.org/   (Accessed: 04/18/2024).