Peruvian Pepper Tree

Not a California native, but found around the state, this tree is a native to the Peruvian Andes. The Spanish found the wood strong and useful for saddle making, so they brought it with them in their colonization of the Americas. Makes sense...here at the local Mission, much of the original art was crafted in Peru and the original Mission bells were cast there in 1820.
The tree apparently has other uses culinary as well as a medicinal. Actually, there are some long lists of all the things it can be used to treat and I have no experience with any of those and so I won't comment.
However, what I do know is that local docents tell me it was commonly planted wherever a latrine was located so the tree's fragrance would mask the odor.
In my own experience, It is a wonderful shade tree to cool off under and I am always grateful when I find one while out on a hike.

[@acteon-nature-wildlife4507]

Superbe vidéo merci pour se partage 🌿 Actéon

[@BushcraftWoodsDevil]

Merci mon ami!

[@pedroperezpena5524]

El árbol sagrado de los incas!!!🌳🌳🌳