Sichuan Green Pepper (Z. alatum) belongs to the citrus family. Evergreen thorny bush, the berries and leaves have an unique zesty aroma.
While not botanically related to black or white pepper, Sichuan pepper and a number of other members of the Zanthoxylum genus are certainly its culinary cousins.
Like the other Zanthoxylum peppers, the Sichuan Green Pepper tree forms a naturally untidy, deciduous, spiky bush that can grow eventually to about 5m in height and width, though it is perfectly happy being pruned smaller to 2-3m and grown in a large pot. Flowering occurs in the spring (usually after the third year) followed by clusters of brilliant green berries on new wood, ready to pick in summer. Then you can grind the dried berry husks to make the precious exotic spice!
Flowering in the spring around 3 years old followed by clusters of brilliant green berries on new wood, ready to pick in summer.
POSITION: Happy in sun to light shade. Prefers well-drained soil.
CARE: Heavy pruning as required for a good yield and tree shape. Fertilise in spring. Minimal spraying is required. Height 7m. Frost hardy.
USES: A hardy ornamental bush or border plant with green berries in summer. Grind dried berry husks to make the precious exotic spice.