Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

In traditional herbal medicine: A resinous gum obtained from the bark has been used in folk medicine to treat digestive disorders[229]. A purgative known as 'American Mastic' is obtained from the tree[245].
http://www.pfaf.org, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=schinus+molle

Other use

Food additive: flavouring/materials: wood

Toxicity

Toxic to mammals and insects probably due to saponin content.
Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

'Humans/Pets: Fruits are ornamental, not to be eaten.' HTA guidelines
HTA Guide to Potentially Harmful Plants, 3rd Edition (2022)

Geographical distribution

  • Southern America, Brazil
  • Southern America, Southern South America, Argentina Northeast
  • Southern America, Southern South America, Argentina Northwest
  • Southern America, Southern South America, Chile Central
  • Southern America, Southern South America, Chile North
  • Southern America, Southern South America, Paraguay
  • Southern America, Southern South America, Uruguay
  • Southern America, Western South America, Bolivia
  • Southern America, Western South America, Ecuador
  • Southern America, Western South America, Peru

Schinus molle L.

Family: ANACARDIACEAE
Genus: Schinus
Species: molle L.
Common names: Pepper Tree
Distribution summary: S.America
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: H2 - Tender; cool or frost-free greenhouse
Habitat: Sunny, dry, rocky hills
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Wolfson Terrace (T)
Flowering months: April, May, June
Reason for growing: Medicinal, other use, toxic


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