Origin: Brazil, Argentina,
and Paraguay
Impact: Brazilian Pepper was originally brought to
the United States as an ornamental plant for people's yards.
It is a fast growing, large plant that has no predators in
this country. As a result, it easily and quickly moves to
nearby natural areas and displaces native species.
It reduces the diversity of the ecosystem and excludes plants
important to the survival of other inhabitants of that ecosystem.
Of all exotic plants in Florida, Brazilian Pepper is the
most aggressive and widespread, covering more than 700,000
acres in south Florida. |
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Schinus terebinthifolius
Photo courtesy of South Florida Water Management District |
