description
Zanthoxylum simulans is a spreading shrub or sometimes small tree
of the Rutaceae family that can grow to heights of 7 meters.
The plant's pinnate leaves are 7-12.5 centimeters long, with
7-11 leaflets—the leaflets are 3–5 centimeters long and 1.5–2 centimeters broad. There are
The stems and leaf petioles have numerous short spines, and
large knobs on the branches.
The plant's flowers are produced in
slender cymes, each flower about 4–5 mm diameter. The 3–4 mm berry that is produced
has a
rough reddish brown shell that splits open to release the black seeds from
inside.
The husk or hull (pericarp) around the seeds are referred to as
Szechuan or Szechuan pepper and may be used whole or powdered as a spice.
common names & nomenclature
The botanical name comes from xanthon xylon meaning "blond wood" in Greek.
This name is in reference to the brightly colored sapwood evident in several of the
species.
Also known as:
indonesian lemon pepper, szechwan pepper, szechuan pepper, szechuan, sichuan
pepper, chinese prickly-ash, flatspine prickly-ash)
climate
Grows on hillsides and in open woods, in sun to shade.
soil
Seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn.
Transplant seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, plant
out in the garden the following summer.
growing
This plant is easily grown in loamy soils in most positions, however it prefers
a good deep well-drained and moisture-retentive soil.
harvesting
The shiny black seeds have a very gritty sand-like texture, and are
therefore discarded or ignored during harvesting. Focus is on the husks around the seeds.
These husks are collected and used whole or are powdered.
preserving
Store whole szechuan pepper (seed husks)
or powdered szechuan in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
