pg . 16
NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
BROAD LEAF / BRAZILIAN PEPPER TREE
Schinus terebinthifolius
BROAD LEAF / BRAZILIAN PEPPER TREE
TREES
DESCRIPTION
Broad leaved pepper trees can grow into a large spreading tree , up to 10 metres high and broad . Leaves are compound and consist of 5 to 9 dark green leaflets .
Flowers are small and whitish , located at the ends of the branches .
Fruit is in bunches that are glossy , red and rounded 6 millimetres across . There are male and female trees , so not all bear fruit . Fruit are toxic to humans if eaten raw .
Habitat it is found in coastal dune lands , wetlands and stream banks .
Weed characteristics escapes from the garden to choke out native plants . It harbours a disease which can kill mangroves . This tree can affect human and animal health as it contains toxic resins .
Dispersal occurs mainly through birds eating and depositing berries .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
Cut stumping and basal barking are effective treatments for large trees . Wear a mask , gloves and protective clothing when cut stumping or moving cut branches as the sap of this plant is poisonous . Any regrowth can be treated using a follow up foliar spray or hand pulling seedlings , taking care not to damage any native vegetation .