Did you know about this?

in gardening •  7 years ago 

The Brazilian pepper tree is quite a common sight here in Cape Town - not only in residential gardens, but also lining many streets in the suburbs.

If the trees are shaped well as they grow, they look really attractive - like a giant bonsai - and can make a stunning feature in any garden.

Some years ago, a list was issued of plants and trees that are considered invasive and the brazilian pepper tree was added on to this list.
I cannot understand this, as here in Cape Town I have never heard any gardener complaining that this tree is invasive and I know many people that have one in their garden and have not had any problems.

For myself, I love the tree - as do the birds and the lovely shade that is provided in summer is most welcome.

However, there is something that many people do not know about it - despite its name - and that is that the small berries are actually little peppercorns that can be harvested and when dried, put into a pepper grinder and used as you would use the black peppercorns purchased in grocery stores.

Just wait until the berries turn red before harvesting - then dry them - and voila - you have your very own peppercorns.

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I never see it in Indonesia