Schinus terebinthifolia -- Nevada

Schinus terebinthifolia is native to Brazil and has been documented to have become naturalized in other parts of the world (Meyer, 2011). One major example of this is within Florida where it has rapidly become a widespread invasive species after first being introduced as an ornamental in the early 19th century (Wheeler, 2022). It has also spread to parts of southern Africa and east Australia (GBIF, 2025).

Schinus terebinthifolia is native to Brazil and has been documented to have populations in parts of the U.S. that have overlap with the climate of Nevada. These populations are scarce however, existing mostly near Phoenix, AZ (GBIF, 2025). Herbarium records of these populations have been documented but but most are cultivated specimen rather than naturalized. Currently there are no reported populations within Nevada itself however, Schinus terebinthifolia is listed in the Southern Nevada Regional Plant list (Ammerman, 2021). It's listed as a two star species meaning its considered as inappropriate for the region based on characteristics such as water needs and poor environmental tolerances. The vast majority of Schinus terebinthifolia populations exist in other climates where they are known for their invasive tendencies.

This species is currently noted as one of the most invasive within Florida where it seemly has pockets with higher density than even that of Brazil(GBIF, 2025)(Meyer, 2011). Other areas with high impact include the coastal region of southern California and Texas. Additionally, CAL-IPC lists this species in its invasive plant inventory (CAL-IPC, 2024). Speedy growth, abundant seed production, and sturdy nature have all been cited as characteristics this plant exhibits that are reminiscent of other weedy invasive plants (Elfers, 1988).

Schinus terebinthifolia is found predominantly in areas that do not match that of Nevada's climate. The vast majority of incidences are recorded in Mediterranean and Tropical climates and the species does not appear to have an adaptibility to the kind of climate found in most of Nevada (GBIF, 2025)(Ammerman, 2021). No significant economic or environmental damage has been recorded in Phoenix, the only area with a climate match that has some documented naturalized instances of this species.

No other closely related species belonging to the same genus has been noted to be invasive in a similar climate to the Nevada Region(GBIF, 2025).

Schinus terebinthifolia is found predominantly in areas that do not match that of Nevada's climate. The vast majority of incidences are recorded in Mediterranean and Tropical climates (GBIF, 2025).

This plant is described as producing dense thickets in areas it has invaded and outcompeting native vegetation to detrimental environmental effects. Sources describe Schinus terebinthifolia as allelopathic, suppressing the growth of nearby plants (Bennett, 1988). The plant smothers and shades other plants to compete for resources(CABI, 2024).

This species is noted to change fire regimes by promoting a fire-suppression positive feedback loop. Not only do thickets of Schinus terebinthifolia significantly reduce fire temperatures but they also have notably low rates of mortality when faced with a fire. These characteristics allow for Schinus terebinthifolia to establish itself in regions that depend on fire regimes and quickly become dominant (Stevens, 2009).

This plants resin causes dermatitis in humans that interact with it. Noted as being fatal to horses if unripe and toxic in large quantities to birds even if ripe (Bennett, 1988). Additionally, it has been documented to invade pastures in its native range and be harmful to managed grasslands (CABI, 2024).

Yes, often being around 10 m in height, the plant produces dense thickets of tangled branches that impede traversal (Bennett, 1988).

Schinus terebinthifolia reproduces and spreads via suckering. Sprouting also occurs from stems and root crowns when the plant is damaged (Meyer, 2011)(CABI, 2024)(Ferriter, 1997).

No evidence found

One of this species' defining invasive characteristics is its ability to produce abundant viable seeds (CABI, 2024). Birds play a common role in dispersal and their ingestion of seed has be proven to significantly improve the germination rate (Wheeler, 2022). In an experiment measuring germination, Brazilian pepper fruits with their exocarps and mesocarps removed exhibited higher rates of germination (100% germination in 18 days, P

Surveys were conducted that determined the number of fruits on two separate inflorescences of 20 trees. "Five trees were sampled early in the fruiting season, 5 late in the season, and 10 in the peak of the season. The total seed count for the 40 inflorescences was 10,415. Individual inflorescences produced 0 to 1,211 fruits. Each Fruit contains one seed" (Meyer, 2011).

Birds play a common role in dispersal and their ingestion of seed has be proven to significantly improve the germination rate (Wheeler, 2022). In an experiment measuring germination, Brazilian pepper fruits with their exocarps and mesocarps removed exhibited higher rates of germination (100% germination in 18 days, P

This plant is a woody species and reaches maturity usually within three years (Meyer, 2011). In an experiment at Everglades National Park, seedlings that were 10-30 cm reached maturity in just over two years, producing large amounts of seed (Ewel, 1982).

In Florida and Australia this plant is known to continuously flower year-long but especially during the spring and autumn seasons (CABI, 2024)(Elfers, 1988).

Schinus terebinthifolia propagules commonly spread via birds and sometimes mammals over long distances (Meyer, 2011)(CABI, 2024). In fact, seeds seem to be adapted to this dispersal as their germination rates have been proven to increase after defecation(Wheeler, 2022).

Water and gravity have been noted to be minor dispersal agents when compared to birds and mammals (Meyer, 2011)(Wheeler, 2022). Fruits can remain buoyant for several days at a time depending on the water type (CABI, 2024).

Neither fruits nor seeds of Schinus terebinthifolia have appendages to suggest modes of traversal by strictly anthropogenic means (CABI, 2024).