The Dangers of Brazilian Pepper Berries for the Holidays

During the holiday season, Florida does not skip on the tradition of “let’s deck the halls with boughs of holly.” Unfortunately, here in South Florida, there is a plant that is currently in full bloom with beautiful red berries, often referred to as the “Florida Holly” or the “Christmasberry tree.”  It is the Brazilian Pepper tree (Schinusterebinthifolia) and unlike a true holly, the Brazilian pepper tree is invasive, toxic, and harmful to Florida’s environment. 

Take heed – this plant is on the State’s top ‘naughty list’ for harmful and invasive plants and it is considered a Class One prohibited invasive species in Florida. According to FWC, the Brazilian pepper tree is more closely related to poison ivy than Florida hollies and contact with the sap and even the leaves may result in itchy allergic skin irritation.Pollen from the bloom may also cause a respiratory reaction. Definitelynot a plant to add to your holiday decorations! 

According to the University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, the Brazilian Pepper tree is a small, dense shrub with reddish leaves, sometimes winged mid-rib, and smell of pepper when crushed. The clusters of red fruits are glossy green at first and then turn bright red upon ripening, which makes them appear as attractive fillers for a floral arrangementor an indoor bough, garland, or sprig- but they are considered toxic. 

So how did they get here? Like most non-native invasive plants, the Brazilian Pepper tree was imported from South America to Florida as an ornamental shrub due to its glossy green leaves and ornamental red berries. It did not take long for this plant to quickly get established and become a serious problem – mainly due to how easily it spreads.   

Assorted bird species are attracted to the clusters of bright red berries and after eating the fruits, seeds are dispersed through their droppings.During the berry season, huge flocks of noisy blackbirds often descend on thickets of Brazilian Peppers and new seedlings easily sprout everywhere. 

It is considered invasive because asit grows, it prevents other plants, especially native Florida species, from growing near it, and it is quickly replacing healthy ecosystems as a noxious weed.  

The Beautification Advisory Committee (BAC) created a flyer of Marco’s Most UnwantedTrees and the Brazilian Pepper Tree is at the top of the list for being toxic and nearly impossible to control. 

According to Officer Keith Richterof Marco Island Code Enforcement, under Ordinance Section 18-32, the Brazilian Pepper tree is considered a noxious plant. A noxious plant is any living plant deemed an exotic, invasive, or prohibited plant species pursuant to the Land Development Code, the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most recent List of Invasive Plant Species, or on the noxious weed list set forth in Section 5B-57.007, Florida Administrative Code. 

The City of Marco Island also has a list of prohibited species of plants that are not allowed on the island.Under Ordinance Section 30-936 the Brazilian Pepper tree is deemed to present a threat to public health, safety, and welfare and the City requires property owners to remove them. If you have Brazilian Peppers or other exotic species on your property, you will need a vegetation removal permit.Officer Richter says that it is best to reach out to the City for proper removal and methods in accordance to each species. 

Here is a list of exotic vegetation found on Marco: 

• Brazilian Pepper (Schinus Terebinthifolius). 

• Earleaf Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis). 

• Catclaw Mimosa (Mimosa pigra). 

• Java Plum (Syzygium cumin). 

• Downy Rosemyrtle (Rhodomyrtustomentosus). 

• Women’s Tongue (Albizia lebbeck).
   

According to FWC, the Brazilian pepper tree is one of the worst exotic pest plants in the State of Florida with over 700,000 acres in Florida covered by this weed.