Peruvian Pepper

It is native to Peru and its fruit are round drupes with woody seeds that turn from green to red or pink. These bright pink fruits are sold as “pink peppercorns” and are not related to the true pepper that we use in our culinary foods.

Various parts of the tree were used to treat a number of infections due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties in traditional medicine. It has also been used as an antidepressant.

The leaves are used to make a natural dye.