Climate Matching Map
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| climatematch-schinus_molle-california-20251009.pdf (1.18 MB) | 1.18 MB |
1. Question 1
Yes
1
Very High
The species is native to South America. Peruvian peppertree has become naturalized or invasive in other regions where it is not native including, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean.
Iponga., D.M., S.J. Milton., and D.M. Richardson. 2008. “Superiority in Competition for Light: A Crucial Attribute Defining the Impact of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle (Anacardiaceae) in South African Savanna”. Journal of Arid Environments 72 (5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.10.001.
Bañuelas, David C., Erin J. Questad, and Edward G. Bobich. 2019. “Interactions Between the Invasive Schinus Molle (Peruvian Pepper Tree) With Six Plant Species Commonly Found in Southern California Nature Reserves”. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 43. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2019.05.010.
n.d. “Arbolapp: Schinus Molle”. https://www.arbolapp.es/en/species/info/schinus-molle/.
TILSTONE, G. H., N. M PASIECZNIK, P. J. C. HARRIS, and S. J. WAINWRIGHT. 1998. “THE GROWTH OF MULTIPURPOSE TREE SPECIES IN THE ALMERIA PROVINCE OF SPAIN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES”. International Tree Crops Journal. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01435698.1998.9752982.
2. Question 2
Yes
2
Very High
Yes, species is found spreading in California, and South Africa, Spain and Australia are in similar climates to California where it is also spreading.
Bañuelas, David C., Erin J. Questad, and Edward G. Bobich. 2019. “Interactions Between the Invasive Schinus Molle (Peruvian Pepper Tree) With Six Plant Species Commonly Found in Southern California Nature Reserves”. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 43. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2019.05.010.
Nilsen, Erik Tallak, and Walter H. Muller. 1980. “A Comparison of the Relative Naturalization Ability of Two Schinus Species in Southern California. I. Seed Germination”. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 107: 51. doi:10.2307/2484851.
Iponga, D.M. 2010. “Seed Set of the Invasive Tree Schinus Molle (Anacardiaceae) in Semi-Arid Savanna, South Africa: The Role of Pollinators and Selfing”. Journal of Arid Environments 74: 414–416. doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2009.09.003.
Australia, Weeds of. 2016. “Schinus Molle”. https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/schinus_molle_….
TILSTONE, G. H., N. M PASIECZNIK, P. J. C. HARRIS, and S. J. WAINWRIGHT. 1998. “THE GROWTH OF MULTIPURPOSE TREE SPECIES IN THE ALMERIA PROVINCE OF SPAIN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES”. International Tree Crops Journal. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01435698.1998.9752982.
n.d. “Arbolapp: Schinus Molle”. https://www.arbolapp.es/en/species/info/schinus-molle/.
3. Question 3
Yes
2
Very High
Yes, it is noted as invasive in Mexico in abandoned agricultural fields. It is also noted as a priority environmental weed in Australia.
Avendaño-González, Marcela, Ernesto I. Badano, Jorge E. Ramírez-Albores, Joel Flores, and Jorge A. Flores-Cano. 2016. “Differential Allelopathy Between Genders of an Invasive Dioecious Tree on Desert Plants”. Botanical Sciences. doi:https://doi.org/10.17129/botsci.522.
Australia, Weeds of. 2016. “Schinus Molle”. https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/schinus_molle_….
4. Question 4
Yes
3
High
It is noted as spreading in Spain and South Africa, which have similar climates to California.
Iponga., D.M., S.J. Milton., and D.M. Richardson. 2008. “Superiority in Competition for Light: A Crucial Attribute Defining the Impact of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle (Anacardiaceae) in South African Savanna”. Journal of Arid Environments 72 (5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.10.001.
Cubino, Josep Padullés, Josep Vila Subirós, and Carles Barriocanal Lozano. 2015. “Propagule Pressure from Invasive Plant Species in Gardens in Low-Density Suburban Areas of the Costa Brava (Spain)”. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2015.09.002.
Iponga, Donald M., Suzanne J. Milton, and David M. Richardson. 2010. “Performance of Seedlings of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle L. Under Indigenous and Alien Host Trees in Semi-Arid Savanna”. African Journal of Ecology 48: 155–158. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2009.01094.x/full.
5. Question 5
Yes
1
Very High
Yes, Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthfolia) is invasive in California.
DiTomaso, Joseph M, and Evelyn A Healy. 2007. Weeds of California and Other Western States. Vol. 3488. UCANR Publications.
-IPC, Cal. n.d. “Cal-IPC Inventory Schinus Molle”. https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profile/schinus-molle-profile/.
“Brazilian Peppertree: Schinus Terebinthifolius (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae): Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States”. 2017. https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3521.
2024. “Schinus Terebinthifolia”. https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profile/schinus-terebinthifolius-profile/.
6. Question 6
No
0
Medium
Large areas of the range on GBIF and the climate matching map do not match the climate of California including Mexico and Central America, South Africa, parts of Australia and Africa (outside southern Africa). However large parts of the range do match (but likely less than majority) in Europe around the Mediterranean, California, southern Africa and parts of Australia.
No references cited.
7. Question 7
Yes
1
Very High
Peruvian peppertree outcompetes native trees in South Africa. However, in a study by Bañuelas et al. 2019 in California the results were more mixed with some species being absent or reduced under the canopy of peppertree, other species were present near the drip line, and with others being present under the canopy. The tree is evergreen and grows up to and over 50 ft tall and wide. Branches tend to droop, instead of growing upright, which creates more of a wider growth pattern in older trees. Older mature trees can have substantial leaf litter accumulation under the canopy especially in flat areas, which appears to likely inhibit establishment of native plants possibly through mechanical means, rather than allelopahtic mechanisms. In addition Iponga et al. (2008) found that S. molle is able to outcompete against the native African tree Acacia tortilis.
Iponga., D.M., S.J. Milton., and D.M. Richardson. 2008. “Superiority in Competition for Light: A Crucial Attribute Defining the Impact of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle (Anacardiaceae) in South African Savanna”. Journal of Arid Environments 72 (5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.10.001.
Bañuelas, David C., Erin J. Questad, and Edward G. Bobich. 2019. “Interactions Between the Invasive Schinus Molle (Peruvian Pepper Tree) With Six Plant Species Commonly Found in Southern California Nature Reserves”. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 43. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2019.05.010.
Iponga, Donald M., Suzanne J. Milton, and David M. Richardson. 2010. “Performance of Seedlings of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle L. Under Indigenous and Alien Host Trees in Semi-Arid Savanna”. African Journal of Ecology 48: 155–158. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2009.01094.x/full.
8. Question 8
No
0
Medium
The tree is drought tolerant and maintains a green canopy all year long. While leaf litter can accumulate under the canopy of Peruvian peppertree and the canopy often hangs low to the surface, the native trees in the riparian, canyon and scrub habitats (elderberry, willow and sumac species) where Peruvian peppertree is found have characteristics that match the fuel characteristics of peppertree. This possible change should not promote or alter the fire regime. Peruvian peppertree can survive being burned, it is a moderate re-sprouter and while is unlikely to change the fire regime, it can survive regular fire.
2009. “CNPS A Manual of California Vegetation Online: Schinus (molle, Terebinthifolius) - Myoporum Laetum Forest & Woodland Semi-Natural Alliance”. https://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/92#:~:text=Fire%20Characteristics,….
9. Question 9
Yes
1
High
Plant leaves can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Foliage is likely toxic to horses and livestock
DiTomaso, Joseph M, and Evelyn A Healy. 2007. Weeds of California and Other Western States. Vol. 3488. UCANR Publications.
Forero, Larry, and Glenn Nader. 2013. “Livestock-Poisoning Plants of California”. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8398.pdf.
10. Question 10
No
0
Medium
Based on the size of the tree and the thinness of the canopy, the canopy is not thick enough for animals to be impeded from moving in or around the tree.
No references cited.
11. Question 11
No
0
High
This species reproduces primarily by seed. Plants tend to grow as solitary trees, unlike Brazilian peppertree which can spread asexually and is a prolific sprouter. However, Peruvian peppertree can re-sprout from stumps or branches, especially after being cut or if burned or otherwise disturbed.
2009. “CNPS A Manual of California Vegetation Online: Schinus (molle, Terebinthifolius) - Myoporum Laetum Forest & Woodland Semi-Natural Alliance”. https://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/92#:~:text=Fire%20Characteristics,….
12. Question 12
No
0
High
It is not common to grow from fragments, it reproduces mainly by seed.
2009. “CNPS A Manual of California Vegetation Online: Schinus (molle, Terebinthifolius) - Myoporum Laetum Forest & Woodland Semi-Natural Alliance”. https://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/92#:~:text=Fire%20Characteristics,….
13. Question 13
Yes
1
Very High
Female Peruvian peppertree produces large amounts of viable seed when mature. There are separate male and female trees (dioecious) and trees flower and fruit for many months.
Howard, Lance F, and Richard A Minnich. 1989. “The Introduction and Naturalization of Schinus M\&e (Pepper T\&E) in Riverside, California.”
Iponga, Donald M., Suzanne J. Milton, and David M. Richardson. 2009. “Reproductive Potential and Seedling Establishment of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle (Anacardiaceae) in South Africa”. Austral Ecology 34: 678–687. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2009.01975.x/full.
14. Question 14
Yes
1
Very High
Female Peruvian peppertree produces large amounts of seed when mature.
Howard, Lance F, and Richard A Minnich. 1989. “The Introduction and Naturalization of Schinus M\&e (Pepper T\&E) in Riverside, California.”
Iponga, Donald M., Suzanne J. Milton, and David M. Richardson. 2009. “Reproductive Potential and Seedling Establishment of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle (Anacardiaceae) in South Africa”. Austral Ecology 34: 678–687. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2009.01975.x/full.
15. Question 15
No
0
Very High
Peruvian peppertree seeds germinated well (over 25%) when treated with acid or stirred in water or if the pericarp is removed. However these activities are infrequent or are a requirement to germinate. Untreated seed seems to germinate in Howard and Munich 1989 at a higher rate, and near 25% (fig. 6 table 2), compared to Nilsen and Muller 1980. Seedlings appear to need wet conditions to establish, which help to explain patterns of establishment favoring wet areas or where they were planted on purpose and likely irrigated until established.
Nilsen, Erik Tallak, and Walter H. Muller. 1980. “A Comparison of the Relative Naturalization Ability of Two Schinus Species in Southern California. I. Seed Germination”. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 107: 51. doi:10.2307/2484851.
Howard, Lance F, and Richard A Minnich. 1989. “The Introduction and Naturalization of Schinus M\&e (Pepper T\&E) in Riverside, California.”
16. Question 16
Yes
1
Medium
Trees grow quickly once established. It is likely they can flower and produce seed within 5 years of establishment.
Howard, Lance F, and Richard A Minnich. 1989. “The Introduction and Naturalization of Schinus M\&e (Pepper T\&E) in Riverside, California.”
17. Question 17
Yes
1
Very High
Yes, plants can flower and produce seed for longer than 3 months when water is present (irrigation, riparian or urban runoff)
Howard, Lance F, and Richard A Minnich. 1989. “The Introduction and Naturalization of Schinus M\&e (Pepper T\&E) in Riverside, California.”
18. Question 18
Yes
1
Very High
Yes seed can be dispersed by birds and mammals. Iponga et al. (2009) found seed can disperse up to 320m from female trees.
Howard, Lance F, and Richard A Minnich. 1989. “The Introduction and Naturalization of Schinus M\&e (Pepper T\&E) in Riverside, California.”
Iponga, Donald M., Suzanne J. Milton, and David M. Richardson. 2009. “Reproductive Potential and Seedling Establishment of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle (Anacardiaceae) in South Africa”. Austral Ecology 34: 678–687. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2009.01975.x/full.
19. Question 19
Yes
1
High
Seeds of peppertree can be carried downstream by water where they are likely to germinate.
Howard, Lance F, and Richard A Minnich. 1989. “The Introduction and Naturalization of Schinus M\&e (Pepper T\&E) in Riverside, California.”
Nilsen, Erik Tallak, and Walter H. Muller. 1980. “A Comparison of the Relative Naturalization Ability of Two Schinus Species in Southern California. I. Seed Germination”. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 107: 51. doi:10.2307/2484851.
Iponga, Donald M., Suzanne J. Milton, and David M. Richardson. 2009. “Reproductive Potential and Seedling Establishment of the Invasive Alien Tree Schinus Molle (Anacardiaceae) in South Africa”. Austral Ecology 34: 678–687. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2009.01975.x/full.
20. Question 20
No
0
Medium
Not likely to be transported as a contaminant. The seeds are not likely to be collected, and are quite large, and the plant is typically sold in pots.
No references cited.
Total PRE Score
17
20
85
