Schinus | |
---|---|
Schinus terebinthifolia | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Sapindales |
Family: | Anacardiaceae |
Subfamily: | Anacardioideae |
Genus: | Schinus L. (1753)[1][2] |
Type species | |
Schinus molle | |
Species | |
See text | |
Synonyms[4] | |
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Schinus is a genus of flowering trees and tall shrubs in the sumac family, Anacardiaceae. Members of the genus are commonly known as pepper trees. The Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle)[5] is the source of the spice known as pink peppercorn.[6]
The species of Schinus are native to South America, ranging from Peru and northeastern Brazil to southern South America.[4] Some species (e.g. Schinus terebinthifolia) have become an invasive species outside their natural habitats. Schinus polygama, although less well known, is also potentially weedy in mesic areas.