Under the peppercorn tree

This is such an Australian country scene, even though neither cows nor the trees are native to Australia.

The peppercorn tree (Schinus molle var. areira) is almost iconic on southern Australian farms. It is native to South America but grew well and rapidly, especially, in alkaline soils, in South Australia and parts of Victoria and NSW. During the 1890s peppercorn trees were planted for shade and shelter around farmhouses and schools. Most farms had a peppercorn tree, often beside the outdoor dunnies of the time. On our farm, the peppercorn tree sheltered the original old outhouse and laundry.


Here the non-native Holsteins enjoy the shade of what is now officially an environmental weed in Victoria.

[Joan Robillard]

Nice rural shot

[Islandgirl]

Wonderful scene!

[bkb in the city]

Great capture

[Taffy]

They seem to have found a little corner of privacy to hang out.

[Susan Wakely]

Desperately looking for shade.

[Suzanne]

Thanks for visiting Rutherglen rural with me! @joansmor @radiogirl @bkbinthecity @taffy @wakelys

[Poppo Livy]

We always called these Pepperina trees where I grew up in Queensland. If you thought you were going to get the cane at school, we would rub our hands on the leaves as it was supposed to ease the pain. It didn't work.

[Suzanne]

Oh I have never heard them called Pepperina. At school we crushed up gum leaves but that didn't work either. My country school teachers were ahead of their time: girls got the cuts, too. @terryliv