Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifo-
lius Raddi) is a small ornamental subtropical tree
native to South America (Brazil, Argentina, and
Paraguay). It can grow to a height of 7 to 10 m (23
to 33 feet). It is adapted to different ecosystems,
from dunes to swamps, and is salt tolerant. It
blooms with small white flowers that turn into clus-
ters of red berries. In our region, Brazilian pepper
tree is a good tree for urban use and for reforesta-
tion projects. Needs little pruning. Can be invasive.
Urban Trees in Lima, Peru: A Pictorial
by Rafael Rivero Terry, Landscape Architect & Owner, Paisajismo Puro, Lima, Peru
Peru's capital, Lima, is the second largest city in the world developed in a desert (Cairo in
Egypt is the largest). There´s not enough water because there´s no rain, only mist during
the winter—yet at the same time, it´s very humid. Over the course of a year, Lima's tem-
perature typically ranges from 60°F to 80°F (16 to 27°C) and seldom goes below 57°F
(14°C) or above 85°F (29°C).
In my work as a landscape architect in Lima and other cities in the region, I seek trees
that are drought tolerant and adapted to humid climates, but also beautiful, such as the
ones in this pictorial. These are photos I took around Lima that show municipal trees in
typically stressful urban environments.
34 City Trees
