Pimenta dioica - allspice, pimento, Jamaica pepper Allspice

(Pimenta dioica) also known as Jamaica Pepper or Pimento is a medium sized tree producing small purple berries that contain one or two large seeds that are the allspice of commerce. Leaves and bark also contain the allspice scent.

A small to medium sized tree to 40 ft, needing near-tropical conditions to survive outside. Mature trees will stand only short periods of light frost, to 26F. (Hardy in zone 10) Luckily, Allspice makes an excellent container plant for indoor or greenhouse culture.

Native from southern Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean. Allspice is grown commercially in Central America. The fruit is harvested while immature, as it is then most strongly flavored. The whole dried fruit is ground to produce the allspice powder of commerce. The allspice is used in cooking meats, vegetables, and desserts. Allspice as a name is due to the sense that it smells like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg combined.

Grown as a house plant, it needs a sunny window. It can also be set outside during the summer.

Publisher: Hirt's Gardens