Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Piperales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
heterocarpum
ID:
1093460

Status:
valid

Authors:
Trel. in J.F.Macbr.

Source:
tro

Year:
1936

Citation Micro:
Publ. Field Columb. Mus., Bot. Ser. 13(2): 172 (1936)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001092798

Common Names

  • Piper Heterocarpum
  • Heterocarpum Piper
  • Piper of the Heterocarpum

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Description

Piper heterocarpum (also called 'Fecal Pepper' and 'Puya de Oso', among many other common names) is a perennial shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It is native to South America and is found in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in disturbed areas. The leaves are ovate and the flowers are white or yellow.

Uses & Benefits

Piper heterocarpum has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments. It is also used as an ingredient in many food dishes, as well as for its fragrant aroma and flavor. Additionally, it is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a natural insect repellent.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Piper heterocarpum var. subglabricaule Yunck.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower: White to yellowish-white flowers, with a tubular corolla. Seed: Small, black, and ovoid. Seedlings: Oval-shaped with a pointed tip.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Piper heterocarpum is a perennial shrub that grows to a height of 5-6 feet. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Propagate by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in the spring and cuttings should be taken in the summer.

Where to Find Piper heterocarpum

Piper heterocarpum is native to Costa Rica and can be found in moist, shady areas of the forest.

Species in the Piper genus

Piper abbadianum, Piper abbreviatum, Piper aberrans, Piper abutiloides, Piper hypoglaucum, Piper coronatibracteum, Piper corozalanum, Piper corrugatum, Piper costulatum, Piper coruscans, Piper corylistachyopsis, Piper costaricense, Piper corcovadense, Piper cordiforme, Piper cornilimbum, Piper corintoananum, Piper crispatum, Piper crenulatibracteum, Piper crenulatum, Piper criniovarium, Piper crassipes, Piper crassinervium, Piper crebrinodum, Piper crassistilum, Piper comatum, Piper colonense, Piper compactum, Piper cordatilimbum, Piper collinum, Piper conversum, Piper constanzanum, Piper cooperi, Piper concinnifolium, Piper consanguineum, Piper confusum, Piper conibaccum, Piper degeneri, Piper dendrophilum, Piper deliciasanum, Piper decurrens, Piper demeraranum, Piper delicatum, Piper davidianum, Piper davidsonii, Piper deamii, Piper deductum, Piper decumanum, Piper diffamatum, Piper dempoanum, Piper dilatatum,

Species in the Piperaceae family

Manekia venezuelana, Manekia obtusa, Manekia naranjoana, Manekia urbani, Manekia incurva, Manekia sydowii, Peperomia megalopoda, Peperomia melanokirrocarpa, Peperomia melinii, Peperomia matlalucaensis, Peperomia meeboldii, Peperomia maxwellana, Peperomia maypurensis, Peperomia tuisana, Peperomia uaupesensis, Peperomia turboensis, Peperomia turialvensis, Peperomia tutuilana, Peperomia udisilvestris, Peperomia macrostachya, Peperomia maculosa, Peperomia maestrana, Peperomia magnoliifolia, Peperomia macedoana, Peperomia mala, Peperomia marchionensis, Peperomia mariannensis, Peperomia marivelesana, Peperomia martiana, Peperomia manarae, Peperomia marahuacensis, Peperomia mantadiana, Peperomia mutilata, Peperomia naitasiriensis, Peperomia muscicola, Peperomia nandalana, Peperomia ripicola, Peperomia rivulorum, Peperomia retivenulosa, Peperomia quadrifolia, Peperomia quadrangularis, Peperomia quaesita, Peperomia quaifei, Peperomia rodriguesiana, Peperomia curtispica, Peperomia cyclophylla, Peperomia cuspidata, Peperomia deppeana, Peperomia defluens, Peperomia degeneri,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record tro-25001630: Based on the initial data import
James Francis Macbride (1892-1976): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'J.F.Macbr.' in the authors string.
William Trelease (1857-1945): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Trel.' in the authors string.