Christmas berry
Schinus terebinthifolius
Christmas berry
This pest is in New Zealand.
Other common name: Brazilian pepper tree
Description
Christmas berry is an evergreen shrub or tree up to 6 m tall. It has a short trunk, which is usually hidden by dense and intertwining branches. It has reddish aromatic leaves with three to 13 finely toothed leaflets. Its white flowers produce short-branched clusters of glossy, green, juicy fruit that turn red and dessicate into a papery shell surrounding the single seed.
Impact
Christmas berry is a serious weed in a number of countries overseas. It is only recently naturalised in New Zealand, but sightings in the wild are becoming more common.
What to do
Contact your regional council to determine the status of this species and responsibility for control and/or advice on control.
- NPPA Manual
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Useful Resources
Page last updated: 24 March 2009