In 1940s Florida, a South American tree was planted as an ornamental; today, Brazilian pepper is one of the state’s worst invasive plants
Brazilian pepper arrived in Florida during the 19th century as an ornamental plant. This glossy shrub with red berries quickly spread beyond gardens by the 1950s. Birds and animals dispersed its seeds, allowing it to cover vast areas of Florida. The plant’s dense growth and root resilience make removal extremely difficult for authorities. This invasive…
