Schinus

9.9

A group of evergreen trees and bushes like the Peruvian pepper tree

noun
/ˈʃɪnəs/

Specialized

: Schinus

The pink peppercorns commonly used in cooking are actually the dried fruits of Schinus trees.

Examples

Several species of Schinus have become invasive in areas outside their native range.
Botanists recently identified a new member of the Schinus genus in the subtropical forest.
The Schinus tree thrives in warm climates.
Many gardeners choose Schinus for its vibrant foliage.
The pink peppercorns commonly used in cooking are actually the dried fruits of Schinus trees.
Botanists recently identified a new member of the Schinus genus in the subtropical forest.
Several species of Schinus have become invasive in areas outside their native range.

Compounds

Schinus chichita

Specialized

9.9

A small tree or shrub from Brazil that makes a sticky sap and is related to the cashew tree

Schinus molle

Specialized

9.9

A small evergreen tree from Peru that has drooping branches and pink berries

Schinus terebinthifolia

Specialized

9.9

A small tree or bush from Brazil with pink berries, grown for decoration but often spreads and harms native plants

Surface Forms

Schinus singular

Schinuses plural

Etymology

Schinus comes from the old Greek word schinos, which meant the 'mastic tree' (a small resin shrub). Botanists used that old name for a group of evergreen shrubs and trees, so Schinus today names the pepper-tree plants whose dried fruits are the pink peppercorns.