What are pepperberries? I see them used in many crafts. I have a tree that in in fall has berries similar to them. Do they grow on shrubs, trees.,etc.? Are they edible? What is the name of the plant? |
I found 2 different plants referred to as peppertrees. Plants of the genus Macropiper are small trees or shrubs which have small berries. They are tender and will only grow in frost-free regions. There is a plant in the genus Schinus, common names California Pepper Tree, Brazilian Pepper Tree, or Christmas Pepper Tree. It is grown mostly for it's decorative fruit, which is a small purple, pink, red or white berrylike drupe. There are two species grown in California and one grown in Brazil which is also called a Christmasberry tree for it's bright red fruit. I would assume one of these is what you are referring to, and it doesnt appear either will grow in Connecticut! Too bad, it sounds nice doesn t it? No mention was made concerning its edibility, so assume they are toxic! |