Schinus species: Pepper tree, Christmas berry

Family

Anacardiaceae

Common Names

California or Peruvian pepper tree, mastic tree (Schinus molle)

Brazilian pepper tree, Florida holly, Christmas berry (S. terebinthifolius). This tree is a noxious weed in Florida.

Plant Description

Consisting of 30 species native to Central America, Schinus are invasive, evergreen, branching shrubs or trees that have a resinous sap and a pungent odor to the leaves when crushed. Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, with 5 - 15 narrow linear to ovate leaflets. Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees. Small 4 - 5 yellow or white petalled flowers are produced in terminal or axillary panicles (Figure 356). Female plants produce numerous pea-sized red to purple colored drupes, each containing one seed (Figure 357).

Figure 356. Schinus molle flowers.

Figure 357. Schinus terebinthifolius.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

All parts of the plants including the berries and especially the sap contain various monoterpenes, triterpenes and phenol/catechol compounds similar to those found in poison ivy (Toxicodendron). On contact with the skin the monoterpene hydroperoxides (alpha-Phellandrene) produce an immediate reaction [2]. There may also be a delayed dermal allergic reaction due to the phenolic and catechol compounds (cardanol) [2]. Ingestion of the seeds or plant material will cause intense gastrointestinal irritation. Severe colic in horses, and death in birds has been attributed to the ingestion of S. terebinthifolius [3].

Ingestion of the fruits cause a burning sensation in the mouth that has given the name pink peppercorns to the seeds. However, Schinus fruits are not the source of black or white pepper that is commonly used as a spice for cooking. Black pepper is derived from Piper nigrens, of the Piperaceae family.

Risk Assessment

Greatest risk is probably to people, especially those allergic to poison ivy, who handle the trees when pruning them. Schinus terebinthifolius is a very common and invasive species in Florida and other tropical areas, and was grown initially for its showy red fruits. The trees should be removed from animal enclosures and the seeds should not be fed to birds [4].

Clinical Signs

Contact with the sap of the plant may result in immediate and/or a delayed allergic dermatitis with intense itching, swelling, and reddening of the skin. If ingested, immediate mouth irritation leading to salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.

Depending on the amount ingested, symptoms are variable in intensity and may last several days [3-5].

Treatment should involve washing the skin with a mild soap to remove plant sap, drying agents, and steroids in severe cases. If gastrointestinal signs are present, the use of activated charcoal, and saline cathartics may help in reducing the intestinal irritation.