Pimenta dioica

• Botanical Name : Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr

• The generic name is derived from the Spanish word pimienta, meaning "peppercorn" which refers to the berries.

• Synonyms : Myrtus dioica L.
• Common Name : Allspice, Jamaica Pepper, Pepper, Myrtle Pepper, Pimenta, Pimento, English Pepper or New Spice
• Common Name Details :

  It is commonly called Allspice because of the fact that the leaves and fruit smell like a combination of cloves, black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.

• Plant Family : Myrtaceae
• Plant Form : Tree
• Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park

About Pimenta dioica Plant :

• Habit : An evergreen tree with whitish gray bark that peels in thin sheets.
• Leaves : Pungent, aromatic, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, leathery with veins prominent on ventral side.
• Inflorescence : Panicles
• Flowers : Small, white in colour.
• Fruit : Dark brown in colour.
• Significance :
  • The green berries are picked and then dried.
  • The whole dried fruit is ground to produce the spice or condiment Allspice.
  • Both pulp and seeds are aromatic with a very high content of eugenol oil.
  • This oil is also extracted from the leaves and the bark of the tree.
  • Allspice is used in pickles, ketchup and marinades, in cooking meats, and vegetables and to flavor pumpkin pies, cakes and candies.