General Impact
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in America the invasive plant produces shady habitats that repel other plant species and discourage colonisation by native fauna (as well as altering the natural fire regime). The plant is also a relative of poison ivy and usually aggregates allergic skin reactions on contact (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). The high concentration of volatile (and aromatic) monoterpenes has been suggested to be a probable cause of respiratory problems associated with crushed fruits. Persons sitting beneath Brazilian pepper trees exhibited flu-like symptoms, and sneezing, sinus congestion, chest pains and acute headache (Morton 1969 1978, in Ferriter 1997). The ingested fruits have a 'paralysing effect' on birds and even grazing animals such as horses are susceptible to its effects (Campello and Marsaioli 1974, in Ferriter 1997).
Aqueous extracts of S. terebinthifolius negatively affect the growth of two native plants commonly found in south Florida’s natural areas, Bromus alba (Poaceae) and Rivina humilis (Phytolaccaceae); (Morgan and Overholt 2005, in EPPO Reporting Service 2005); presumably it does this by producing allelopathic chemicals.
S. terebinthifolius may invade natural ecosystems in its introduced range. For example, in Bermuda it invades upland margins of mangrove swamps (Mark and Lonsdale 2002). In Florida it also invades mangrove swamps as well as mature forests (EPPO Reporting Service 2005), potentially threatening to damage or alter these ecosystems. In Malta it invades the Mediterranean maquis community, which consists of mixed species, including olive (Olea europaea), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) and the garrigue. In the Bahamas it is found on remote islands, where it may alter habitats and interfere with nesting sites (Moyroud 2000).
Location Specific Impacts:Bahamas 
Threat to endangered species: In the Bahamas pest plants have been observed in habitats critical to endangered fauna. In the Bahamas, critically endangered rock iguanas (Cyclura spp.) are now restricted to small, rocky cays where they subsist on native plants, but need loose sand in which to dig nests for their eggs. Australian pine (Casuarina sp.) has been observed with extensive, impenetrable root systems in the only sandy spot on one such cay, thus interfering with Cyclura reproduction (International Iguana Society Field Expedition, March 1992). Brazilian pepper (S. terebinthifolius) has been seen on other remote islands, and could also interfere with nesting sites. Saint Helena
Other: Schinus terebinthifolius is linked to respiratory disease in humans.
Physical disturbance: Schinus terebinthifolius forms dense thickets in gullies and river bottoms make access difficult (Ashmole and Ashmole, 2000 in Varnham, 2006). Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (United States (USA))
Reduction in native biodiversity: Despite tremendous human development, the South Florida Ecosystem supports more than 600 rare or imperiled species, where 68 are federally listed as threatened or endangered, including 8 mammals, 13 birds, 10 reptiles, 2 invertebrates, and 35 plants. On many of the lagoonal islands and within other refuge habitats, exotic plants have displaced the majority of the native species. Problem and invasive exotics such as Brazilian Pepper and Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) cover much of the refuge. Florida (USA) (United States (USA))
Competition: Brazilian pepper dominates and replaces herbaceous plant communities. It produces dense closed canopy forests that shade out almost all other plant life (Florida Department of Environmental Protection).
Habitat alteration: Brazilian pepper forests are considered to be poor habitat for native wildlife species (Florida Department of Environmental Protection).
Human nuisance: Because of its relationship to poison ivy, many who come in contact with its sap develop allergic skin reactions (Florida Department of Environmental Protection).
Inhibits the growth of other species: A laboratory study (Morgan & Overholt, 2005) demonstrated that aqueous extracts of S. terebinthifolius negatively affected growth of two native plants commonly found in south Florida’s natural areas, Bromus alba (Poaceae) and Rivina humilis (Phytolaccaceae). Both germination and biomass of B. alba decreased, while only biomass of R. humilis was reduced (EPPO Reporting Service, September 2005).
Modification of fire regime: Brazilian pepper forests alter natural fire regime (Florida Department of Environmental Protection).
Modification of successional patterns
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