VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Schinus terebinthifolius | Brazilian Pepper 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
The wood of Brazilian pepper is used in construction, as stakes, posts,
and railway sleepers.  The twigs are also made into toothpicks [3,22].


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
The fruit of Brazilian pepper is readily eaten by wildlife, but the seed
pass through the digestive tract unharmed [32].  The unripe fruit if
ingested can be fatal to horses, and the ripe fruit causes intoxication
in birds if eaten in large quantities [3].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Because of its fast growth and ability to quickly invade disturbed
sites, Brazilian pepper can be planted for erosion control on deforested
sites.  However, it is not recommended for this use because of its
deleterious effects on native plant and animal species [6].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Brazilian pepper serves as a source of tannin, and the resinous extracts
are used to preserve fishing nets.  It is grown as an ornamental in
Brazil.  Medicinal uses include a remedy for gout, arthitic pain, and
diarrhea [2,3].  The juice of the macerated roots is used as an ointment
for ganglionic tumors and contusions [22].  In Hawaii, the bright red
berries are used in making Christmas wreaths; hence the name Christmas-
berry [33].  Brazilian pepper has been planted as an ornamental in
Florida and Hawaii but is no longer recommended for this use [21].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Among the negative effects of the steady expansion of Brazilian pepper
in south Florida is the elimination of native plant species and sources
of food for native wildlife.  Originally planted as an ornamental it has
spread across hundreds of square kilometers and become a formidable
competitor for water and mineral resources [5,17].  Brazilian pepper
also produces an allelopathic chemical in its leaves that suppresses the
growth of other plants [22,26].  In Hawaii, Brazilian pepper is having a
harmful impact on many endangered and threatened species, including the
Haleakala silverword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense spp. macrocephalum),
liliwai (Acaena exigua), and the mahoe tree (Alectryon macrococcus)
[30].

The most effective method of controlling Brazilian pepper is to fetter
out individuals that colonize naturally occuring gaps and by burning
pine forest regularly, although this method will not eliminate Brazilian
pepper from the site [10].

The methods and effectiveness of various herbicide treatments of Brazilian
pepper have been outlined [8,17].

Related categories for Species: Schinus terebinthifolius | Brazilian Pepper