City Trees

38 City Trees Tree of Merit: Peruvian Pepper (Schinus molle) The Peruvian pepper (Schinus molle) is a tree that leaves no one indifferent. For some people, the tree evokes simplicity and humility. The species is native to the Peruvian Andes, and the Incan civilization appreciated this species well, elevating it to the category of sacred tree. I regard it as splendid, at once tough and majestic—a living being with vari- able ways of occupying space, rounding up or stretching its foliage down according to the occasion, but always pleasing to the eye. It is a common street tree here in Calera de Tango in the central par t of Chile. The Peruvian pepper grows in full sun on poor land. In fact, it accepts compacted soils surprisingly well. It is easily estab- lished and has a high survival rate. In addition, its growth is quite fast. Indeed, here in Chile it can reach its maximum size in just 20 years. It needs very little water and so is highly resistant to the drought, and it tolerates pruning well. It also withstands constant exposure to high winds, high tempera- tures, and urban pollution. It is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. This imposing species offers several very interesting ecosys- tem services; I would like to highlight two in par ticular. First is its restorative effect on soil fer tility, aiding in the recovery of degraded land. Second, I have been able to corroborate from my own professional experience that this tree provides good refuge for wildlife, harboring a remarkable variety and number of birds in its foliage. At maturity Peruvian pepper can reach up to 18 m (59 ft) in diameter and 25 m (82 ft) in height. It needs adequate space, so its planting is advised for wide avenues, parks, and town squares. Its beautiful evergreen foliage and its small red fruits are very striking in the landscape. Adriana Hoffmann, in her great book The Urban Tree in Chile, points out that "the combination of trunk and thick, knotty branches with hanging branches and twigs, in the manner of a weeping willow, is very attractive." Its bark is rough and of an interesting dark-gray tone. There are many reasons that allow us to highlight this noble species, which comes from the sumac family (Anacardiaceae). When used in the appropriate site, this tree hear tily deserves its Tree of Merit status. —Felipe Fuentes R., Municipal Arborist, Calera de Tango, Chile Bark of Peruvian pepper tree. Free for use by Calbookaddict - own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, httpscommons.wikimedia.org Fruit and foliage of Peruvian pepper tree. Free for use by Liz Upton - own work - CC By 2.5, httpscommons.wikimedia.org

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