pepper-tree

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


The name is given to twotrees, neither of which are the true pepper of commerce( Piper).

They are:

1) Schinus molle, which is a native of South America,of the Cashew family, and is largely cultivated for ornamentand shade in California, and in the suburbs and public parksand gardens of all Australian towns where it has beennaturalised. It is a very fast growing evergreen, withfeathery leaves like a small palm or fern, drooping like aweeping willow. It flowers continuously, irrespective ofseason, and bears a cluster of red-berries or drupes, stronglypungent, – whence its name.

2) The other tree is indigenous in Australia and Tasmania; itis Drimys aromatica, F. v. M., formerly called Tasmania aromatica, R. Br., N.O. Magnoliaceae.In New Zealand the name is applied to Drimys /corr./ axillaris, Forst. (Maori, Horopito; q.v.).

1830. `Hobart Town Almanack,' p. 65:

«A thick grove of the pepper-shrub, Tasmania fragrans ofSmith. It grows in a close thicket to the height of from sixto ten feet. When in blossom, in the spring months of Novemberor December, the farina of the flower is so pungent, especiallyif shaken about by the feet of horses or cattle, that it isnecessary to hold a handkerchief to the nose in order to avoidcontinual sneezing.»

1839. T. L. Mitchell, `Three Expeditions into the Interiorof Eastern Australia,' vol. ii. p. 280:

«We also found the aromatic tree, Tasmania aromatica.. . . The leaves and bark of this tree have a hot, biting,cinnamon-like taste, on which account it is vulgarly calledthe pepper-tree.»

1880. Mrs. Meredith, `Tasmanian Friends and Foes,' p. 231:

«The handsome red-stemmed shrub known as native pepper. . . .Something like cayenne and allspice mixed, . . . the aromaticflavour is very pleasant. I have known people who, havingfirst adopted its use for want of other condiments, continueit from preference.»

1888. Cassell's `Picturesque Australasia,' vol. iii.p. 138:

«Bright green pepper-trees with their coral berries.»

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

← pepper, native   ×   peragale →

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