Pimenta dioica
(pa-MINT-ta  dee-oh-EE-ka)

COMMON NAMES: ALLSPICE

FAMILY:       Myrtaceae

TYPE:          Tropical tree

LOCATION:   Hot, dry sites in full sun or in pots.

PLANTING:   Seed in the spring or transplants anytime.

HEIGHT:       Up to 30 feet

SPREAD:     20 feet

FINAL SPACING: One is enough.

BLOOM/FRUIT:  Greenish-white flowers followed by berries similar to black pepper. It is dioecious so male and female plants must be present for fruit to develope.

GROWTH HABITS/CULTURE:  Small tropical tree native to south America and W. Indies. It is evergreen and has aromatic bark, leaves, berries, and bunches of flowers. Glossy foliage.

PROBLEMS: It will freeze in the winter except in tropical areas or with careful protection.

HARVEST/STORAGE: Berries are gathered when mature but still green and dried for use.

CULINARY USES: Allspice is used to flavor food, especially to sweeten dishes with its peppery taste.

MEDICINAL USES: It is used as a warming medicine given as a tea for chills and flatulence.

LANDSCAPE USES: Greenhouse or container plant.

OTHER USES:   Berries are eaten as a breath sweetener. Leaves and berries are used to make oil for cosmetics.

INSIGHT:  Seeds are now available from specialty seed companies. Dried allspice seed in the grocery store has probably been heat-treated and will not be viable. Can only be grown in pots in the summer anywhere, in tropical regions and in greenhouses.