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The Brazilian Pepper-tree is a shrub or small tree up to 12' tall
with a short trunk usually hidden in a dense head of contorted, intertwining
branches. The leaves have a reddish color, sometimes winged midrib, and have
3-13 sessile, oblong or elliptic, finely toothed leaflets, flowering occurring
mostly August through October. |
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This is one of Florida's prime nectar producing
plants. The flower clusters are 5-7 cm. long. The male and female flowers are
similar. Both are white. The fruits are in clusters which are glossy, green and
juicy at first, becoming bright red on ripening. The red skin dries to become a
papery shell surrounding the seed. |
| The seed is dark brown. The honey has a distinct "peppery" taste
and is not considered by many to be table grade, but is accepted well locally.
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