The Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolia), that you see in back of this sign can be identified by its evergreen compound leaves that have 5 to 7 leaflets and the numerous bright red berries when in season. It was brought to Florida from South America as an ornamental during the mid to late eighteen hundreds. People loved the fast-growing plant and used the bright red berries as Christmas decorations. Genetic studies have found that there were actually two species brought to Florida which successfully hybridized resulting in a more vigorous, adaptable and fecund plant than exists in South America. Brazilian pepper particularly takes advantage of disturbed areas on dry land or in swamps and marshes where it takes over and crowds out native vegetation. The impenetrable growth also destroys habitat for native wildlife such as the Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Unfortunately native pollinators and animals have found Brazilian Pepper flowers and berries palatable which has contributed to its dispersal but there are no native predators or diseases to control it. Research is investigating which of several species of insects that have been found to prey on Brazilian Pepper will be useful in controlling it.
The Saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia), seen on the other side of the trail, is a Florida native plant that is might be crowded out by the Brazilian Pepper. Saltbush typically grows at the edge of hammocks, flatwoods and saltmarshes. The sexes are separate and male and female plants are often adjacent to each other. Male flowers are yellow and consist of 20-30 tubular florets and the female flowers look like small silver paintbrushes.
On the other side of the world, in Australia, the story of the Saltbush is similar to the Brazilian Pepper. It was brought to Australia as an ornamental during the early 1900s but lack of natural controls along with its prolific seed production and dispersion by the wind quickly allowed it to become invasive. As we are with the Brazilian Pepper, the Australians are using chemicals and trying out biological controls to get rid of it.
