Piper auritum (Root Beer Plant) - Video 1
Botanical name: Piper auritum
Common names: Root Beer Plant, Mexican Pepperleaf, Hoja Santa , Veracruz Pepper, False Kava-Kava, Sacred Pepper
Family: Piperaceae
Origin: Mexico through Colombia
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
USDA Zone: 8-11
Plant type: Spice or herb
Plant form: Large bush
Mature height: 5-10 ft
Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade; shade
Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular; keep soil moist
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Irritating or toxic: Irritating
Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine
Invasive: Can spread quickly, needs controlPiper auritum
Learn more about
Root Beer Plant, Acuyo, False Kava-Kava. Close relative of Piper methysticum (Kava-Kava), and Piper nigrum (Black Pepper), this herb originated from Tropical America and grows also in the South Pacific. Large-leaved perennial, known for its leaves, which are used for their spicy aromatic scent and flavor, some liken to root beer, others to anise-clove. This species is easily identified by its huge leaves which can grow over a foot long in older specimens. The leaves are chopped and used for flavoring, as well as used whole, as wrappings for meats, tamales, etc. P. auritum is very often confused with Piper methysticum (Kava-Kava), and probably has some similar effects.
See Article about this plant.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
See Article about this plant.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Grown in
6"/1 gal or larger pot, large plant