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Schinus facts for kids

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Schinus
Starr 031108-0096 Schinus terebinthifolius.jpg
Schinus terebinthifolius
Scientific classification
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Schinus
Species

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Sch.areira
Schinus areira flowers

The Schinus genus includes many types of trees and shrubs. These plants are part of the Anacardiaceae family. You might know them better as pepper trees. They are often found in warm, somewhat humid places around the world.

What Are Pepper Trees?

Pepper trees are a group of plants in the Schinus genus. They get their common name because some species have berries that look like peppercorns. However, these berries are not the same as the black pepper you use for cooking. They are mostly grown for their looks.

Where Do They Grow?

Most Schinus species come from tropical and subtropical areas. This means they like places that are warm all year round. They grow naturally in parts of Mexico and South America. They also do well in places with a "subhumid" climate. This means they get enough rain but not too much.

Popular Types of Pepper Trees

Two well-known types of pepper trees are the Californian pepper tree and the Brazilian pepper tree.

  • The Californian pepper tree (Schinus molle) is native to parts of Mexico and South America. People often plant it in California and other warm places because it looks nice. It has weeping branches and small, pink berries.
  • The Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is from Brazil. It is also grown as an ornamental plant. However, in some areas, it can grow very quickly and take over native plants.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Schinus para niños

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