The Pepper Tree, Schinus molle, is a spreading, evergreen tree originally from the Peruvian Andes in South America. It was widely planted in the early years of settlement as a shade tree. It has a semi-weeping habit, willow-like leaves and small yellow-white flowers in spring that are followed by clusters of pea-sized pinkish-red berries. These are 'bird candy' and the seeds are readily spread by the feathered ones. Seeds have a particularly hard coat and germination rates are greatly improved after seeds have passed through the gut of birds or other animals.
The trees are very hardy and drought tolerant once established and the trunks of mature specimens are gnarled, furrowed and dark.
The seeds can be dried and used as pink peppercorns, although S. molle is unrelated to true pepper (Piper nigrum).
In the Enchanted Forest different trees have their own personalities and characteristics. Spend some time around trees and nature, visit parks. Sit under a tree or quietly stand with your back against its trunk and enjoy being in its presence. Notice how different trees make you feel. Try to determine its inner character and spirit.
Some of the messages of pepper tree are that adaption and persistence will be necessary for success. Make use of the resources you have available at the time, be adaptive and persistent to reach your goal.
Due to its weeping nature the Pepper Tree is also often used to symbolise a sense of sorrow and grieving.
In South America the Incas considered the tree to be sacred. They revered the tree as their most important medicinal tree. Every part of the tree was used as medicine—the bark to remedy stomach aches and flatulence, while the berries were brewed to make a sweet acid-tasting beverage to soothe nerves.