Brazilian pepper tree

noun

variants or Brazilian pepper

: an evergreen shrub or small tree (Schinus terebinthifolius of the family Anacardiaceae) native to Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay that has dark green, glossy leaves, clusters of white flowers, and bright red berrylike fruits

Note: The Brazilian pepper tree was introduced into the U.S. for ornamental cultivation during the mid to late 1800s but is now considered an undesirable invasive species in certain states and especially Florida.

called also Florida holly

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!