The Brazilian Pepper Tree is a small tree that
reaches over 30 feet in height,
typically with
multiple short trunks hidden in a thicket of branches. The leaves are
alternately
arranged with 1-2 inch long, elliptic, and finely toothed leaflets. The
leaves
are also reddish, often possessing a reddish mid-rib. The flower
clusters are
white and 2-3 inches long with male and female flowers that look very
similar. The
glossy fruits are borne in clusters that are initially green, becoming
bright
red when ripe.
The
Brazilian Pepper Tree Schinus
terebinthifolius is a highly invasive
alien
invasive species
The
Brazilian Pepper Tree Schinus
terebinthifolius has become a serious
weed in
South Africa, California, Florida and Hawaii, USA. It is also known to
be
invasive in Australia, New Zealand, as well as in many Pacific,
Caribbean and
Indian Ocean islands. Although it is not invasive in its native range
it has
become an aggressive woody weed in exotic locations, displacing native
vegetation as well as rapidly invading disturbed sites, often
naturalizing. High
growth rate, wide environmental tolerance, prolific seed production, a
high
germination rate, shade tolerant seedlings, attraction of biotic
dispersal
agents and the ability to form dense thickets all contribute to this
species
being highly invasive in its exotic range. It is especially suited to
colonizing disturbed sites and can grow in both wet and dry
conditions. Its growth habit allows it to climb over under
story trees and invade mature canopies, forming thickets that
choke
out most other plants.
Birds
and mammals (monkeys) are the primary mechanisms for dispersal here in
South
Africa. Seeds are viable for up to 2 months, losing viability as time
progresses. The invasiveness of Brazilian pepper tree in our region can
be
attributed to its high germination rates and efficient dispersal agents.
Legal
Obligations
The
Brazilian Pepper Tree Schinus
terebinthifolius is classified as a
Cat 1 invasive plant in our
region.
Category 1 plants,
or declared weeds
These are prohibited
plants that will no longer be tolerated, neither in rural nor urban
areas,
except with the written permission of the executive officer or in an
approved
biocontrol reserve. These plants may no longer be planted or
propagated, and
all trade in their seeds, cuttings or other propagative material is
prohibited.
They may not be transported or be allowed to disperse.
Removal
and control of the Brazilian Pepper Tree Schinus terebinthifolius
Chemical:
Basal
Bark treatment:This
is
the easiest and preferred method of control because it not only kills
the
target tree but prevents re-growth from the roots which occurs if the
trees are
simply cut down. A mixture of triclopyr mixed at the rate of 1.5% with
diesel
is painted in a 250 mm band as low as
possible around the base of the target tree.
Foliar
Herbicide Application: Foliar
applications are very
effective, but thorough coverage is essential triclopyr or glyphosate
herbicides should be applied directly to the tree's foliage and will be
translocated to other parts of the tree. Due to their large size and
often-inaccessible habitat, foliar application is limited to seedlings.
Herbicides
containing the following active ingredients and at the dose rates
suggested
below have given good results.
| Method |
Active
ingredient |
Dose
rate |
| Cut
stump |
Triclopyr (240 g/L)
(Garlon)
Glyphosate (360 g/L) (Roundup)
|
Mix
15 ml
with 1L diesel
30
ml per 1L water
Apply to the cut surface as well as a band around
the stump |
Foliar spray
|
Triclopyr (240 g/L) (Garlon)
Glyphosate
(360 g/L) (Roundup)
|
15
ml per 1L
water
15 ml per 1L
water
Apply to drip off |
| Basal
bark application |
Triclopyr (240 g/L)(Garlon)
|
Mix 15 ml with 1L
diesel
paint in a band of 250 mm around the base of the trunk |
Mechanical:
When
utilizing mechanical methods, the entire plant, particularly the root
system,
should be removed. Roots 5 mm in diameter and larger are able to
re-sprout and
produce new plants, so follow-up from this type of control method will
be
necessary. Where trees have been cut down the remaining stump must be
treated
as soon as possible after being cut with a chemical herbicide to
prevent
re-growth from both the remaining stump as well as from the roots.
Fire:
Pepper Tree seeds cannot tolerate heat and will not germinate following
a fire, but the plant has the potential to re-sprout from the roots
after a fire.
Michael
Hickman 04.04.12
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