Brazilian Peppertree - Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States

The Brazilian peppertree is native to Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, and was introduced to Florida in the mid-1800s. This invasive plant grows as a tree or a shrub, reaching heights of up to 40’. Brazilian peppertree aggressively invades nearly all types of ecosystems, and is currently found in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, and Texas. Leaves have a reddish midrib, and smell of turpentine when crushed. The fruits change from green to bright red as they ripen, and are spread by small mammals or birds. Seedlings have a very high rate of survival, and can form dense thickets that crowd out other plants. Brazilian peppertree is considered poor habitat for native wildlife, and may lead to allergic skin reactions on some people. Management tactics include burning, cutting, and herbicide treatment, but efforts must be maintained to fully suppress regrowth.