Whole allspice berries are the dried and cured, unripe berry of a tropical evergreen tree, which is part of the myrtle family. Allspice trees grow to 7 - 10 metres tall (20 - 30ft) with a slender, straight and upright trunk, covered with a smooth, grey and aromatic bark. Allspice is very common in Jamaica, hence its alternate name Jamaica pepper, but also comes from Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Soon after the tree blossoms with delightful white flowers in July and August, succulent berries form and are picked fully grown, but unripe, with a greenish-purple colour.