South American tree to 50' with bright pink fruit sold as peppercorns, though it is unrelated to true pepper. Has been used medicinally as an antidepressant, diuretic, for toothache, rheumatism, and menstrual disorders. Leaves are used shamanically in Mesoamerica, and for dyeing of textiles in the Andes. Fresh fruit was used by the Incafor producing chicha, a fermented beverage. Both male and female plants are required for fruiting. Full sun, well drained soil, hardy in zone 8B.
