Brazilian Peppertree
Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, is an invasive tree species. It was first recorded in Texas in the 1930s and has since become widespread across the Gulf Coast, found as far north as Texas City and as far south as Brownsville.
Brazilian peppertree usually grows with a small trunk and low branches although it can grow up to 40 feet tall with a trunk up to three feet wide. The broadleaf evergreen tree is filled with intertwining, drooping branches. Leaves are dark-green, alternate, pinnately compound with 1- to 2-inch-long leaflets.
Being semi-aquatic, Brazilian peppertree is never far from water and can usually be found in swamps and beaches. As a recognized Texas Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed, the importation, sale, and distribution of Brazilian Peppertree are prohibited in Texas.
Characteristics
Brazilian peppertree is commonly referred to as an opportunistic pioneer species, meaning it is commonly the first species to establish in disturbed areas. They replace native vegetation by growing over any trees shorter than them, killing the opposing native tree and grass species on the ground around it by blocking them from sunlight.
Groups of Brazilian peppertrees only compound this issue, forming dense thickets that make it impossible for anything other than these trees to gain a foothold. The loss in native vegetation reduces the biodiversity of areas where Brazilian peppertree is present and destroys desirable habitats for native wildlife, such as Gulf Coast prairies.
Brazilian peppertree is related to poison ivy, oak, and sumac, and can cause allergic reactions, such as a rash, if you contact it.
Gulf coast prairie impacts
The Gulf Coast Prairie ecosystem is a 60-mile-wide, 600-mile-long strip stretching from the Louisiana border to Brownsville. The area is defined by its confrontation with the sea, wind, and rain, which has created a diverse area of salt marshes, dunes, tidal flats, and many other types of habitats, which come together to create the Gulf Coast Prairie ecosystem.
This area is home to over 228 species of conservation concern, including ocelot, Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, whooping crane, Houston meadowrue, and many more. Not to mention the millions of birds that visit the region during seasonal migrations each year.
The Gulf Coast Prairie also creates a barrier between the mainland and harsh storms, filters water passing between rivers and the gulf, lessens carbon emissions, and even helps grow the economy by providing better opportunities for fisheries.
Unfortunately, less than 1% of this vital habitat is left, largely due to humans building over it, and Brazilian peppertrees are only destroying it further. Failure to protect this natural resource would result in increased flooding, worse storm surges during hurricane season, economic downturn, and the loss of a priceless natural ecosystem.
Control
Brazilian peppertree seedlings and small trees can be controlled by digging or pulling them up. Make sure to get as much of the root as possible when doing so or a new tree may grow from the leftover roots. Pulling and digging can also create ideal conditions for seed germination, so previously infested areas will need to be carefully monitored for new growth.
For larger trees, you will need to cut the trunk as low to the ground as possible and then, within minutes of the initial cut, apply a herbicide containing glyphosate or triclopyr to the stump. Name brands with these chemicals include Roundup and Brush Killer.
You can also do a basal bark treatment. You can then dispose of your peppertrees as you would any other tree, throw them away, put them through your woodchipper, etc. Though, you should avoid burning it as its sap, when burned, can be incredibly irritating to your eyes, nose, and throat. The tree also produces a large amount of smoke, further adding to the irritation already caused by the tap and potentially causing serious health issues.
Gulf Coast Cooperative Weed Management Area
The Texas Gulf Coast Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) is a network of public and private partners established in 2014 by the City of Port Aransas, Texas A&M Forest Service, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, with the mission of addressing invasive Brazilian peppertree on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Since 2014, we have been an active partner in all CWMA activities, including education, outreach, and supporting control and restoration efforts, with more than 300 acres treated and 6,000 acres under improved management. By working together, setting goals, and monitoring results, the CWMA is conserving the coastal Texas barrier islands from invasive stands of Brazilian peppertrees and engage community support for long-term control.
Integrated Pest Management
In addition, we are currently involved in the Integrated Pest Management of Brazilian Peppertree on the Texas Gulf Coast (BCFHP) project. A project funded by the U.S. Forest Service, which is the result of 20 years of careful study into Brazilian peppertree thrips as a method of biological control for Brazilian peppertree.
Biological control is the process of both researching and then implementing a living organism, such as a parasite, predator, pathogen, etc. to control insects, diseases, or weeds. Research is just as important as implementation when it comes to biological control as a lack of data on the method of biological control used can lead to unwanted impacts on non-target species. Biological control is implemented, most commonly, as it saves money in the long run, as once the method of biological control is established it can be left to its own devices to eliminate the threat.
Brazilian peppertree thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini, are a small insect species with thin feathery wings that feed on Brazilian peppertrees. Twenty years of studying these thrips has found that they are both only interested in eating Brazilian peppertrees and they significantly reduce Brazilian peppertrees’ ability to grow and reproduce. This is vital as, once established, Brazilian peppertree thrips will need no further assistance to survive on Brazilian peppertrees, which will, hopefully, cause a reduction in the cost of controlling these trees.