Piperaceae
Piperaceae
Piperaceae (pronounced /ˌpaɪpəˈreɪsiː/), also known as the pepper family, is a large family of flowering plants. The family includes a number of economically important species, particularly those in the genus Piper and Peperomia.
Etymology
The name Piperaceae is derived from the Ancient Greek word piper, which means "pepper". The family name was first used by French botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1825.
Description
Members of the Piperaceae family are generally tropical and subtropical plants. They are mostly herbs, shrubs, or lianas, and are characterized by simple, alternate leaves without stipules and flowers that are usually perfect (hermaphroditic) and actinomorphic (radially symmetrical).
Genera
The Piperaceae family includes about 5 genera and more than 3,600 species. The most well-known and largest genus is Piper, which includes the black pepper plant (Piper nigrum). Other notable genera include Peperomia, Manekia, Zippelia, and Verhuellia.
Economic Importance
Several species in the Piperaceae family have significant economic value. The most notable is the black pepper plant (Piper nigrum), which is cultivated for its fruit and is one of the most common spices worldwide. Other species, like those in the Peperomia genus, are popular ornamental plants.
Related Terms
- Piper: The largest genus in the Piperaceae family, including the black pepper plant.
- Peperomia: A genus in the Piperaceae family, many species of which are popular ornamental plants.
- Piper nigrum: The black pepper plant, a member of the Piper genus and the most economically important species in the Piperaceae family.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Piperaceae
- Wikipedia's article - Piperaceae
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