Birds and mammals are the chief means of dispersal. Germination is enhanced by scarification with a dilute acid. The dilute acid may have the same effect as the acids found in an animal's digestive tract. Many native species have a lower percentage of germination than Schinus . The higher germination percentage combined with the animal dispersing agents may explain its colonization in native plant communities.
Seedlings have a high rate of survival and some can be found all year.
Any break in the canopy can be utilized. Reproduction can occur 3 years after germination. Some trees can live for about 35 years. This document is an excerpt from Weeds in Florida, SP 37, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Ft.