Schinus

Schinus is a genus of flowering plants in the cashew family, Anacardiaceae, native to South and Central America. Its species include the Brazilian pepper tree and the Peruvian pepper tree.

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Anacardiaceae: A family of flowering plants that includes cashews, mangoes, poison ivy, and Schinus. Schinus belongs to this family, whose shared traits and diversity frame the genus.
Brazilian pepper tree: An evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America, widely planted for its bright red fruits and foliage. This Schinus species is an ornamental that has become invasive in several regions.
Schinus terebinthifolia: A South American evergreen shrub or small tree known as the Brazilian pepper tree. It is the best-known invasive member of the genus in places where it has been introduced.
True pepper: The pungent spice produced from fruits of plants in the genus Piper. Schinus is called pepper tree, but its fruits come from a different plant family.
Drupe: A fleshy fruit with a single seed enclosed in a hard inner layer. Schinus fruits are drupes, despite their peppercorn-like appearance.
Peruvian pepper tree: An evergreen tree native to the Andes, cultivated for its pink fruits and drought tolerance. This Schinus species is grown ornamentally and its dried fruits are used as a spice.
Schinus molle: An evergreen tree native to the Andes, commonly called the Peruvian pepper tree. Its pink fruits and weeping foliage distinguish a widely cultivated Schinus species.
Poison ivy: A North American climbing or trailing plant in the cashew family that causes allergic skin reactions. Like Schinus, it belongs to Anacardiaceae, but it is notorious for contact dermatitis.
Urushiol: A group of oily organic compounds found in some Anacardiaceae plants that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Related family members produce urushiol, a useful caution when handling unfamiliar Anacardiaceae.
Pink peppercorn: The dried, mildly pungent fruit of several plants, including Schinus species, used as a seasoning. Schinus fruits are sold as pink peppercorns, though they are not true peppercorns.