WHAT IS: Common name for the berry of Pimenta dioica, a small West Indian tree of the family Myrtaceae. The English name Allspice was given to the spice because its flavour resembles a mixture of other spices, especially cloves and black pepper; some people also detect hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.

OTHER NAMES: Pimento; Jamaica pepper.

EM PORTUGUÊS: Pimenta-da-jamaica.