| Does the Brazilian Pepper Tree manifest allelopathic qualities which inhibit the growth of plants under the canopy of the tree? |
| Brazilian pepper-tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is one of the most aggressive of the invasive nonindigenous plants in California and Florida. Originally introduced as an ornamental, Schinus has become an an aggressive, rapidly spreading weed that displaces native vegetation. It contains no growth inhibiting chemical, but is a fast- growing aggressive shrub, making a dense canopy which shades out most other vegetation. So, rather than inhibiting growth through alleopathy, Schinus inhibits the growth of other plants by effectively competing for light, nutrients and moisture. |
