Broad leaved pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius, is a priority invasive plant in the Sunshine Coast region as well as being identified as a priority in our own Weed Management Strategy. Broad-leaved pepper tree is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. We must not give away, sell, or release it into the environment. Penalties may apply. We must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with broad-leaved pepper tree under our control. Fortunately we don’t have a lot of it at Crystal Waters and we have listed it as one for which we are “working towards eradication”. Further information on it can be found here: Broad leaved pepper tree.
Information and Identification
Broad leaved pepper tree is originally from South America and was first introduced as an ornamental in Australia. Birds love the fruit so it spreads readily by seed. It also suckers, producing new plants from the roots. It has separate male and female plants, so not all plants produce seeds. It invades bushland, riparian areas and grazing areas, outcompeting native species and pasture grasses.
Identification:
- Shrubby tree up to about 10m (although I haven’t found any that big here – most are only 2-5m).
- The leaves are dark green and have very distinct venation and a strong peppery small when crushed.
- The flowers are small and whitish at the ends of the branches.
- The fruit turn glossy red when ripe and occur in bunches.
Impacts
Environmental
- Forms dense thickets that can choke native plants.
- Establishes in disturbed bushland.
- Competes with ground covers and shrubs and tolerates shade.
- Spreads rapidly in waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Economic
- Out-competes and replaces native grasses used in grazing.
Social
- Contains toxic resins that can affect human and animal health.
Distribution at Crystal Waters
Most of the plants that I know of are on the steep slope below the Cemetery and down onto the flat near the old Pecan orchard. There are also a few between Lot 68 and the Pebble Pond track. There is (or maybe was) also a large one just in front of the Community House on Upper Lot 1. If anyone knows of other locations, I’d appreciate hearing about it.
Control methods and efforts
Until now we have made no effort to control this weed, that I know of, although it’s been on my radar for a while as a concern. It does appear to be becoming a problem on the steep slope below the Cemetery now, intermixed with a lot of Tecoma and a variety of other weeds. Control of all these weeds at once doesn’t seem like a good strategy, as the slope is very steep and there’s not much native vegetation to replace the weeds. So far we’ve been removing the Tecoma (as it has a much higher capacity for spreading) and leaving the broad leaved pepper trees for now. Like other woody weeds it can be treated by cutting and dabbing – I have done a few so far just to see how successful it is.
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