Scientific
name
Schinus molle1
Family name
Anacardiacea
Originates
from Peru, Andes
Local name(s)
Qundo berbere (Amargna), Pepper Tree
(English)
General description
S. molle is a tree with attractive
light weeping foliage to 15m with a short trunk and a spreading crown.
The bark is dark-brown, peeling, very sticky latex forms if the bark is
damaged. The leaves compound to 30cm with many narrow leaflets to 7cm,
with a peppery smell if crushed. The flowers are very small and green-yellow
in colour. The fruits are hanging on female trees. They are small round
berries, green to red then black.
Edible part(s),
preparation methods and palatability
The fruits are edible. Children consume
the fruits in normal times. They are also used as a spice. Dried the fruits
are similar to pepper and can be used as a spice. Children and youngsters
also mix fresh fruits with water to make a spicy drink that is liked. Adults
do neither drink the latter mixture nor do they consume fresh fruits in
normal times. When it comes to food shortage, adults may also consume the
fruits.
Agroecology
S. molle is an evergreen tree commonly
planted in dry warm climates throughout the world. It will grow in almost
any soil but prefers well-drained sites. It is extremely drought resistant
once established and reaches maturity in less than 20 years. It grows in
semi-arid lowlands, in dry, moist and wet low-, mid- and highlands from
near sea level to 2,400m.
Propagation
method(s)
Propagates by seedlings and by coppicing.
Sample location(s)
Ibnat
woreda, South Gonder.
Remarks
The species is fast growing and pollarding,
lopping and coppicing. In Ethiopia it is mostly planted as an avenue tree
along roadsides or as an ornamental. Other frequent uses are firewood and
charcoal production, bee forage, soil conservation, shade, windbreak and
its leaves are used as an insect repellent.
1 Parts of the following
description have been taken from Bekele-Tesemma et al., 1993: p. 408/409
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