Brazilian pepper is a shrub that is native to Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. This plant is known for its invasive nature. It was introduced in Florida in the 1800s as an ornamental plant. One of the reasons many people want to get rid of it is because of its invasive nature, meaning that it deprives other plants of nutrients, water, and space. It can be found in places such as along river beds, along with the water bodies and fencerows.
When it comes to Brazilian Pepper Removal, there are a number of reasons that make this a challenging exercise. You see, this plant is aggressive and grows rapidly and re-sprouts easily. It can grow the year round and in varying environments. It is not easy to overcome this plant. In this article, we shall discuss things you need to know about Brazilian pepper removal.
Here are the 3 tips to Brazilian pepper removal:
1. Identification of Brazilian pepper plant
For you to be able to manage this plant, it is important that you identify it accurately. What are some of its features? Well, the plant has a gray trunk, is short and has a smooth bark. The mature plant has compound leaves that are oblong.
The plant has male and females flowers that are on separate plants. The plant has white flowers that have 5 petals. If you are in Florida, it is good to note that this plant flowers from September to November and its red fruits are mature in December.
2. Choose an offensive strategy
You can control Brazilian pepper in different ways. The best moment to control this plant and eliminate it will depend on the time of the year as well as the location of the plant. You can also use multiple methods of control for more effectiveness. One of the methods you can use to control Brazilian pepper is the mechanical way. Here, you have to uproot the whole plant to prevent it from re-sprouting.
The chemical method of killing the plant is also a good strategy to eliminate it. There are multiple herbicides that can be used to control this plant. These can be applied to the bark, the cut stumps or to the foliage. If you decide to spray foliage to the plant, ensure that this is done till the leaves are completely wet.
3. Management through prevention
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. This means that preventing the growth of Brazilian pepper is ultimately the best way to control the plant. You should remove the plants before they are well established. All newly germinated plants should be uprooted and all measures should be taken to ensure that they don’t grow into bigger pepper plants.
You can also help spread information to other people about the dangers of the Brazilian pepper plant so that you can all wage a concerted war against this invasive plant. For instance, the people should be made aware of the laws that prohibit the planting, transportation or the sale of this plant. It will also be a positive move if the authorities can implement the laws that prohibit its sale and growth.
Image Credit: 1) Flickr/Rusty Clark 2) ACI Land & Aquatic Management website