Piper aduncum (Spiked Pepper)

Piper aduncum (Spiked Pepper) green leaves close up showing clear network of deep vein lines
Piper aduncum (Spiked Pepper) showing dark green leaves with visible veins attached to light woody stems

Botanical names: Piper aduncum, Piper angustifolium, Piper elongatum

Common names: Spiked Pepper, Higuillo de Hoja, Matico

Family: Piperaceae

Origin: South and Central America

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Small tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Small tree to 7 m tall, with short silt roots and soft, brittle wood; foliage and twigs aromatic. Branches erect, but with drooping twigs and swollen, purplish nodes. Leaves alternate, distichous, elliptic, 12-22 cm long, shortly petiolate; lamina scabrid above, with sunken nerves, softly hairy beneath. Inflorescence a leaf-opposed, curved spike on a 12-17 cm peduncle, white to pale yellow, turning green with maturity. Flowers crowded in regular transverse ranks. Fruit a 1-seeded berry, blackish when ripe.

Used as a aromatic stimulant, against gonorrhea, leukorrhea, piles, hemorrhages and dyspepsia.

Propagation: seeds and cuttings.

Culture: full sun / light shade, sandy loam soil, needs high humidity.

Plant in frost free areas.

Similar plants: Piper aduncum (Spiked Pepper)

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Image gallery: 5 images
Piper aduncum green leaves with white spikes hanging from a thin plant branch
Piper aduncum long green leaves and narrow white spikes on a branch
Piper aduncum green leaves with long white flower spikes in close up view
Piper aduncum green leaves combined with slender white hanging flower spikes on branches
Piper aduncum green leaves on slender branches within a circular concrete stone planter
Piper aduncum tree with green foliage growing inside a round brick border
Piper aduncum (Spiked Pepper) green leaves close up showing veins and deep textured foliage surface
Piper aduncum (Spiked Pepper) leaves with distinct veins and deep green textured surface in lighting
Piper aduncum (Spiked Pepper) with textured green leaves on a thin hairy brown plant stem
Piper aduncum (Spiked Pepper) displaying textured green leaves attached to a thin, slightly hairy brown stem


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