Brazilian pepper tree

Edwards spent two days in 90-degree heat clearing a ficus tree off the front of his house and a Brazilian pepper tree off the back, going from 234 pounds to 219 in the process.

The beetle’s success so far is something researchers hope to repeat with the Brazilian pepper tree.

Recently, when the Polo Lounge’s patio, strewed with white wrought-iron tables, lost its partial shade — a huge Brazilian pepper tree had to be removed — it barely prompted a murmur.

One is the raccoon and the other is the Brazilian pepper tree.

The Brazilian pepper tree has just been introduced to the island and is starting to invade as well.