Piperaceae

Piperaceae is a large family of flowering plants, commonly known as the pepper family, which includes approximately 3,600 species across 5 genera. The family is cosmopolitan, occurring in all tropical and subtropical regions of the Earth, but with few species in temperate climates. The most economically significant genus is Piper.

Description

Members of the Piperaceae family are generally perennial herbs, shrubs, or lianas. Many species are evergreen. The plants are usually aromatic and have characteristic odor and flavor. The leaves are simple, alternate, and are typically heart-shaped or lanceolate. The flowers are small and often unisexual.

Taxonomy

The Piperaceae family is divided into five subfamilies: Piper, Peperomia, Manekia, Verhuellia, and Zippelia. The largest genus, Piper, contains about 2000 species, including Piper nigrum, the source of black and white pepper.

Economic importance

Several species of Piper are economically important. Piper nigrum, the black pepper plant, is the world's most traded spice. Piper methysticum (kava) is used in the drink kava, which has sedative and anesthetic properties. Piper betle is used in the betel quid, a traditional chew in Southeast Asia.

See also

• List of Piperaceae genera

External links

• Piperaceae in L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, information retrieval.

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  Piper nigrum illustration from Köhler's Medicinal Plants

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  Piper caninum

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  Peperomia perciliata