The pepper trees of South America are not actually related to black pepper at all.

Gardening · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Commonly known as pepper trees, the genus Schinus belongs to the sumac family rather than the spice cabinet staple. While the Peruvian pepper tree produces the familiar pink peppercorn, these trees are native to South America and have sparked botanical debates over their very name and gender.

The genus Schinus encompasses a variety of flowering trees and tall shrubs originating from South America, with a range spanning from Peru and Brazil down to the southern reaches of the continent. The name itself traces back to the Greek term for the mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus, which the genus resembles in appearance. Despite their common name, these plants are members of the Anacardiaceae family, also known as the sumac family, and are distinct from the source of traditional black pepper.

Botanical nomenclature for the genus has historically been a source of confusion, particularly regarding grammatical gender. In 2015, this was officially settled with the determination that Schinus is feminine. This decision aligns with classical botanical traditions for tree names ending in -us. Consequently, adjectival names within the genus must now reflect this feminine form. For instance, while older literature might refer to Schinus polygamus, the correct modern usage is Schinus polygama, as the adjective must match the gender of the genus.

While these trees are native to South American landscapes, some species have successfully migrated beyond their original habitats. Species such as Schinus terebinthifolia, often called the Brazilian pepper tree, have become invasive in various regions globally. Other species, like Schinus polygama, are also recognized as potentially weedy in specific environments. The genus remains diverse, with numerous identified species ranging from Schinus areira in the north to Schinus patagonica in the south, each adapted to specific regional climates across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Brazil.

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