All Spice/Pimenta Dioica – Spice Plants

Allspice botanically known as Pimenta dioica from the Myrtaceae family. Other common names are Jamaica pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta, or pimento. It is known as Allspice because it gives the combined flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It is an evergreen medium size tree and can grow more than 8 meters in height if directly planted in the ground. It is known for its whitish-gray bark that peels in thin sheets, & dried unripe berry. The leaves are large, leathery, glossy green, aromatic, and quite attractive. Fresh leaves are similar in texture to bay leaves and similarly used in cooking. The fruits are picked when green and unripe and are traditionally dried in the sun. When dry they are brown and resemble large, smooth peppercorns. Leaves and wood are often used as a spice in mainly local growing areas. There are many other uses.