Piperaceae - Botanical Family

Peperomia prostrata (Trailing Peperomia) is a popular ornamental foliage plant with a range of colors and shapes that make it an attractive addition to any home or garden. This Groundcover and low-growing plant is only 2ft at its tallest and grows best in USDA Zone 10 -12.

Peperomia prostrata grows best in soil that is moist but well-drained, so situate it in an area with good air circulation. Place it in an area that gets either full sun or semi-shade and water it moderately, allowing the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings. Prune it occasionally to promote fuller growth and to keep it tidy.

For those living in cooler regions, Peperomia prostrata is an ideal choice for a potted plant. Place it in a pot with sufficient drainage and use an indoor potting soil mix or a soil-based compost. Make sure the plant is situated in an area where it is exposed to bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not wet and, if possible, mist the foliage with water.

Peperomia prostrata makes a perfect addition to any home or garden, bringing vibrant color and texture, and can be kept in a pot in cooler climates with proper care. With its easy maintenance and vibrant foliage, the Trailing Peperomia is sure to spruce up any space.

Peperomia scandens (Hanging Peperomia) is a low-growing groundcover, reaching a maximum height of 2 feet. Easy to care for, it makes an ideal houseplant for beginners. This plant thrives best in full sun or semi-shade outdoors, or in a bright spot indoors, but can tolerate moderate shade. For best results, water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out about halfway between waterings. In colder regions, the plant should be grown in a pot, as it is sensitive to frost.

Peperomia scandens is an easy to care for ornamental houseplant with attractive foliage. The small plant is a slow-growing perennial, reaching an approximate height of 2-5 feet with its trailing stems. Its foliage is made up of dark green, glossy leaves resembling those of Heartleaf philodendron. This plant is a great choice for adding an exotic touch to your home and is grown in USDA Zone 10-11.

This plant adds a dramatic element to any home or garden. It's perfect for brightening up those shadowy corners in your home, with its lush foliage. It's a great choice for indoor gardeners, as it requires minimal care and attention. Simply give it adequate sun, regular watering, and adequate drainage and your Peperomia scandens will thrive.

About a thousand species of Peperomias have been described, mainly from South America although a few (17) are found in Africa. Many of these plants are perennial epiphytes growing on rotten logs and they have thick stems and fleshy leaves, some with leaf windows. Most Peperomias have tiny flowers which are packed into a characteristic greenish or brown conical spike like an inverted catkin. A few species have more attractive flowers such as the white scented clusters of spikes produced by P. fraseri.

Peperomias are best cultivated in a light, well drained compost containing plenty of humus and do well in shallow containers. Coming from tropical rain-forest habitats, they love warm humid conditions and most need a minimum temperature of 50 - 55°F. However, the stems and foliage can be prone to rotting and Peperomias should be watered sparingly from below (especially in winter) using soft water, avoiding wetting the crown of the plant.

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.

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. Plants will grow out from roots so it can spread in ideal conditions. Flowers are long, skinny, white, and fuzzy looking. They may be borne in season. The plant doesn't usually form many fruits outside of its native range. 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. According to other sources, it can be poisonous. Explorer Captain James Cook, who gave this plant the botanical name of "intoxicating pepper", first discovered the true kava kava. Kava has been used for over 3,000 years for its medicinal effects as a sedative, muscle relaxant, diuretic, and as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia. It has been used in parts of the Pacific at traditional social gatherings as a relaxant and in cultural and religious ceremonies to achieve a higher level of consciousness. The roots can be made into a mildly narcotic beverage that is comparable to popular cocktails in our culture. Kava is now recognized by many doctors as an alternative to drugs like Xanax and Valium.

See Article about Piper.