Schinus

taxobox
name = "Schinus"

---

image_caption = "Schinus terebinthifolius"
regnum = Plantae
unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
unranked_classis = Eudicots
unranked_ordo = Rosids
ordo = Sapindales
familia = Anacardiaceae
genus = "Schinus"
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text|

"Schinus" is a genus of trees and tall shrubs in the family Anacardiaceae comprising the pepper trees, most notably "Schinus molle", the Peruvian Pepper tree, and "Schinus terebinthifolius", the Brazilian Pepper tree or Christmasberry the source of the spice commonly known as pink peppercorns. Both can become serious invasive species outside their natural habitats. "Schinus polygama", although less well known, is also potentially weedy in some areas.

Taxonomy

The genus is named from "schinos", the Greek name for the Mastic Tree ("Pistacia lentiscus"), which it resembles.

Over time there has been a fair amount of reclassification within this genus and earlier names may incorrectly continue to be used by those unaware of changes, including in some cases government departments and even textbooks. In particular, the name "Schinus areira" remains widespread, however the species previously described as "Schinus areira" is now considered to be a sub-species of "Schinus molle" (var. "areira").

Selected species
*"Schinus engleri"
*"Schinus latifolius"
*"Schinus lentiscifolius"
*"Schinus molle"
*"Schinus pearcei"
*"Schinus polygamus"
*"Schinus terebinthifolius"
*"Schinus venturi"

Synonyms
* "Schinus angustifolius" = "Schinus molle"
* "Schinus antiarthriticus" = "Schinus terebinthifolius"
* "Schinus areira" = "Schinus molle" var. "areira"
* "Schinus brasiliensis" = "Lithraea molleoides"
* "Schinus huygan" = "Schinus molle"
* "Schinus occidentalis" = "Schinus molle"

External links

* [http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SCMO USDA PLANTS National Database]
* [http://www.rain-tree.com/peppertree.htm Tropical Plant Database] - Herbal site