BISCHOFIA/BISHOPWOOD
Scientific name: Bischofia javanica
Family: Euphorbiaceae/spurge
Origin: Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands
Description:
Evergreen tree reaching 35-65 feet in height with a dense, rounded head; smooth branches; when cut bleeds milky sap. Leaves are alternate; elongated stalk, trifoliolate (three leaflets); leaflets are shiny, bronze-toned, oval to elliptic, six-eight inches long with small toothed margins. Flowers are tiny, without petals, greenish to yellow; flowers in clusters at base of leaf stem. Fruit is pea-sized, berrylike, green while immature, and fleshy brown, reddish or blue to black when ripe.
Habitat/Ecology:
Occurs in pine flat woods, hammocks, cypress swamps, wetlands, old fields, and disturbed areas. Fast growing from seed or cuttings; does well in sun or shade, thriving best in moist soil. Leaves are shed in drought; flowers in spring; fruits abundantly in Florida; seeds dispersed by birds.
BRAZILIAN PEPPER/FLORIDA HOLLY
Scientific name: Schinus terebinthifolius
Family: Anacardiaceae/cashew
Origin: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
Description:
Evergreen shrub or tree can reach to 43 feet in height; multi-stemmed trunks and branches arch and cross, forming tangled masses. Leaves alternate; compound three-eleven leaflets; elliptic-oblong at one-two inches long; leaf margins somewhat toothed; young leaves are pink to reddish in color. Crushed leaves smell peppery or like turpentine. Small flowers in short branched clusters at base of leaf stem; five white petals up to two mm long. Fruits are small, rounded, green at first, turning red when ripe.
Habitat/Ecology:
Has invaded a variety of ecosystems, including pine flat woods, coastal dunes, hammocks, seasonal wetlands, scrub, mangroves, and is quick to dominate disturbed sites and roadsides. This tree is a fast growing prolific seed producer; seeds are dispersed through wildlife consumption of fruits. Forms dense stands of tangled branches that completely shade out and displace native vegetation. Leaves, flowers, and fruits have been known to irritate human skin and respiratory passages.
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