Allspice- Pimenta dioica
By Klahanie
19 Nov, 2015
4 likes
We have an allspice tree on the property. I have never seen one before. The Mexican owner called it pepper tree but it smelled more like cinnamon or clove. Then I realized that it is an allspice.
These (in the picture) are ripped berries. Quite sweet .
I think they are suppose to be picked green and then dry them. I picked few leaves and use them as a potpourri around the house. The leaves are like bay leaves. Full of flavour.
Comments on this photo
My allspice is the dried unripe berries & I grind them like peppercorns as & when needed.
19 Nov, 2015
Thanks for posting I didn't think allspice was an actual herb - I thought it was a mixture of different things.
19 Nov, 2015
Bathgate, you are not alone. Many people think the same.
Delonix, seems like it is fast growing tree ?
Green_finger, same here, until now. Delonix is right...the fresh leaves have much more aroma and flavour than the dried up fruit.
19 Nov, 2015
yes, that's for sure
19 Nov, 2015
Klahanie:
With lots of water it grows very fast. Mine grow very fast.
With little water it's very slow.
I've seen some rally large trees around. The tallest Allspice tree I've ever seen was located at Fullerton Arboretum, it must have been more than 50' (10m) tall.
I have my tree next to my back door. The whole tree has a very good, strong aroma (almost like clove). I love it! If I had a spot in the ground (by the back door) I would plant it.
21 Nov, 2015
Delonix, This tree is quite large and has the most interesting bark and yes the leaves have clove (maybe infused with cinnamon) aroma. Love it.
I did not make a picture of the tree itself (as whole) yet but I have a picture of the bark, which I will be posting .
21 Nov, 2015
Allspice tree is in the Myrtaceae (Myrtle) family. So, it has bark is similar to Eucalyptus or Myrtle. The bark can peel, if I'm not mistaken.
Yes, I should have said the fragrance is like a very sweet clove. I love the smell! If you bring in the fresh leaves and crush them a bit it will full your house with its fragrance.
21 Nov, 2015
That explains the bark Delonix1. Just posted a picture.
21 Nov, 2015
Yes, it has beautiful, colorful peeling bark. I just took a pic of an Allspice tree at the San Diego Zoo. I just happened to be in front of me while in line at the skytram. I was actually taking a photo of a large variegated Golden Dewdrop tree (Duranta erecta) and the Allspice tree was right in front of it. LOL!
22 Nov, 2015
I love this tree! I have one...I got it as a tiny 1/2" plant a couple of years ago. Now it's 6' in a pot. It produced flowers and fruit this year for the first time. The best way to use Allspice is the leaves. They don't dry well; however, it's the best way to cook with allspice.
19 Nov, 2015