Allspice

Pimenta dioica

Native to:
Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Myrtaceae
Genus:
Pimenta
Species:
Pimenta dioica
USDA Symbol:
PIDI2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Celery leaftier (Udea rubigalis)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bees
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to Caribbean, prefers fertile soils

Propagation & Germination

Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best in warm, moist conditions; fresh seeds have higher viability.