The tree known as false pepper or aguaribay It is a very adaptable plant that grows very fast, and in addition to providing an interesting shade, it is one of those plants that hardly need watering. In fact, I can tell you that it grows well with just 350mm of annual rainfall, as long as it is planted in the ground.
So if you are looking for a plant that practically takes care of itself and has a high ornamental value, do not hesitate: this is your tree. Know more….
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is an evergreen tree native to southern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina whose scientific name is Soft tendons. It is popularly known as false pepper, aguaribay, American pepper, pepper tree, pirul or pepper willow.
It is characterized by grow to a height of 15 meters, with a 4-5m diameter crown formed by hanging branches. The leaves are either odd-pinnate or paripinnate, 9 to 28cm long, and the golioli are opposite to alternate, lanceolate, 1,3 to 5,1cm long and 0,2 to 0,5cm wide. The flowers are grouped in terminal and axillary inflorescences, 10-25cm long. The fruit is globose, 1cm in diameter and pink to pinkish-red when ripe.
What are the cares?
If you want to get a copy, we recommend providing the following care:
Location
You have to place your fake pepper shaker or aguaribay outside, in full sunand at a distance of at least 5-6 meters from the wall, wall or any other construction since it has invasive roots.
Land
It can grow in all types of soilsbut it develops better in the poor in organic matter; hence they are a good option to have in gardens whose terrain is vulnerable to erosion.
For its size, it cannot be kept in a pot for more than a few yearsfilled with universal growing medium (you can get it here!).
Irrigation
It is a plant that resists drought well once established, but It is advisable to give 2-3 weekly irrigations during the summer and some less the rest of the year so that it can grow smoothly.
Subscriber
Not very necessarybut you can add a little organic compost, such as guano, once a month (you can buy it here!).
Planting time
The time to plant it in the ground is in springwhen the risk of frost has passed. It can also be done in the fall if the winter is mild or warm.
Pruning
It should not be pruned. The aguaribay has a weeping bearing by nature, and as the years go by, its spectacular glass will be formed.
Multiplication
Seeds
A very easy and fast way to get a new specimen is by multiplying it by seeds in spring or summer. The way to proceed is as follows:
- The first thing we will do is fill a pot of about 10,5cm in diameter or a container of milk that we will have previously made a hole with scissors with universal cultivation substrate.
- Then we water and place a maximum of three seeds, as far apart as possible since it is most likely that they will all germinate. Moreover, if we have room it is better to put only one in each container.
- Next, we cover them with a thin layer of substrate and we will water again, this time with a sprayer.
- Then, we place the pot outside, in full sun.
- Finally, we introduce a label to which we will have written the planting date and the name of the tree, and we keep the substrate moist.
Thus, will germinate in 14 or 30 days at most.
Cuttings
To multiply it by cuttings you have to wait for the summer. Once i arrive, you just have to follow this step by step:
- First, cut a mature branch that is about 20-25cm in length.
- Then infuse your foundation with powdered rooting hormones (like these from No products found.) or with homemade rooting agents.
- Then fill a pot with universal growing medium and water it.
- Next, make a hole in the center and plant the cutting.
- Finally, fill in the hole if necessary and place the pot in semi-shade.
If everything goes fine, it will emit its own roots in a month.
Plagues and diseases
The waterfront it is a very resistant tree both pests and diseases.
Rusticity
Resists cold and frost down to -5ºC. In addition, it supports pollution, lime and soil salt well.
What are the care of the false pepper bonsai?
Image – Bonsaiclub.it
If you do not have a garden where to put it, you can get a bonsai and provide the following care:
- Location: outside, in full sun.
- Substratum: akadama mixed with 30% kiryuzuna.
- Subscriber: in spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for bonsai following the indications specified on the product packaging.
- Wiring: in spring. Use anodized aluminum wire. You have to go reviewing it because it sticks in a short time.
- Transplant: every 2 years, in spring.
- Style: crybaby.
What uses does it have?
Ornamental
The aguaribay is a plant that has a high ornamental value. It gives very good shade, and the best thing is that it takes care of itself practically.
Culinary
The crushed seeds are used as sweet-tasting red pepper, which is used as spice.
Medicinal
- Bark and resin: they have tonic, antispasmodic and healing properties. The resin is used to relieve cavities.
- Fresh fruits: in infusion, they are taken against the retention of urine.
- Leaves:
- Boiled: they serve as an analgesic, healing and anti-inflammatory for external use.
- Dry: used as a poultice to relieve rheumatism and sciatica.
Other uses
In addition to the uses that we have mentioned, it must also be said that an essential oil is extracted from the leaves and bark that is used in toothpastes, perfumes and soaps as an industrial raw material. Likewise, the leaves are also used to obtain natural dyes for fabrics in the Andes.
Image – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
And with this special about the false pepper shaker we are done. We hope you found it very interesting and, above all, useful because … although it is true that its roots are not the most ideal for all types of gardens, it is a very beautiful plant that can be worked, as we have seen, as bonsai.
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