Piper - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 2)

The genus Piper is large genus of chiefly climbing tropical shrubs.

Species:

Piper aduncum

Piper auritum

Piper betle

Piper blattarum

Piper capense

Piper fimbriulatum

Piper longum

Piper magnificum

Piper nigrum

Piper ornatum

Piper peltatum

Piper retrofractum

Piper sarmentosum

Piper sylvaticum

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.

This small ornamental tree with a straight trunk produces a mass of large, 3-4" white flowers resembling little birds. Its lower branches create a floral canopy from November to June. Tolerates flooding. The flower is large and distinctively curved. Vertical pods, located near the flowers, can contain up to 20 seeds. The tender leaves, green fruit, and flowers are eaten alone as a vegetable or mixed into curries or salads. Flowers may be dipped in batter and fried in butter. Tender portions serve as cattle fodder. Ripe pods apparently are not eaten. The inner bark can serve as fiber and the white, soft wood not too durable, can be used for cork. The wood is used, like bamboo, in Asian construction. The tree is grown as an ornamental shade tree, and for reforestation. Bark, leaves, gums, and flowers are considered medicinal. In Java, the tree is extensively used as a pulp source. A gum resembling kino (called katurai), fresh when red, nearly black after exposure, exudes from wounds. This astringent gum is partially soluble in water and in alcohol, but applied to fishing cord, it makes it more durable. Pepper vines (Piper nigrum) are sometimes grown on and in the shade of the agati. Dried and powdered bark is used as a cosmetic in Java. An aqueous extract of bark is said to be toxic to cockroaches.

Peperomia caperata, commonly known as Emerald Ripple Peperomia, is a compact perennial in the Piperaceae family native to Brazil. It forms a low, clumping rosette typically 6 to 8 inches tall and wide, with deeply corrugated, heart-shaped leaves held on short petioles. Foliage color ranges from deep green to burgundy, silver, or nearly black depending on selection. Peperomia caperata is a highly variable species with numerous cultivars that differ dramatically in leaf color, texture and variegation. Slender, upright flower spikes rise above the foliage, though the plant is primarily grown for its textured leaves rather than its blooms.

This species prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining, loose soil with moderate organic content. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings, as consistently wet conditions may lead to root rot. Growth rate is moderate under warm indoor conditions. Cold tolerance is limited, with damage possible below 50F; it is best suited to USDA zones 10 to 11 outdoors. Peperomia caperata performs well in containers and is commonly grown as a houseplant.

Grown for their ornamental foliage, Peperomia argyreia are a small plant, which is an excellent choice for uses in semi-shade, as it will thrive with regular watering, but also requires well-draining soil to ensure that the roots never sit in overly wet or boggy soil.

Native to South America, Watermelon Peperomia is hardy in USDA Zone 10-12, and they are very easy to grow in the right conditions. If a colder climate presents itself, plants can still be grown in pots, however careful attention and frequent monitoring will be required to adjust care due to weather fluctuations and seasons. When growing in pots for colder climates, it is important to keep an eye on soil moisture, as potted plants dry out more quickly than plants in the ground. While Watermelon Peperomia can handle drought for some time, consistent and regular watering is required in order for plant to thrive, as well as providing good drainage and a partially shady location.

Furthermore, it's important to perform regular pruning to keep the shrub looking its best, as well as removing any damaged or dead leaves to promote healthier growth. Due to low nutrient needs, this plant requires limited fertilization. For best results, use a balanced fertilizer rich in micro-nutrients and potassium, and water the plant after fertilization to avoid damage to the roots.

Ultimately, Watermelon Peperomia is an excellent choice for a variety of uses and landscaping, thanks to its beautiful foliage and demanding minimal care. With regular monitoring, this plant will thrive under the right conditions and bring beauty and life to semi-shaded areas in most USDA hardiness Zones.

These tropical plants will do best in bright, warm, humid conditions.