Schinus molle Standard
Origin: Mexico, Peru. Another classic in the Mediterranean countryside. Evergreen, dioeceous tree with weeping habit, gnarled trunk, sometimes twisted, covered in a rough, reddish-grey, split bark. Very broad crown made light because of the thin, secondary, weeping branches. Imparipinnate leaves made up of 31-35 dark green, linear leaflets. When the leaves are rubbed they have a sharp peppery smell. Flowers: panicles, 20-30cm formed from small, yellowish, flowers with 5 petals which occur from April to July. Fruit: round, a diameter of 5-6mm, pinkishred, grouped in long clusters which decorate the tree from August to December. Like the flowers, if the fruit is rubbed it has a strong smell of pepper. Grows in any type of soil and withstands drought and saltiness and for this reason it can often be seen in gardens, parks and along the streets of seaside resorts where the climate is mild.
