Piper

( PYE - perr )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Pepper Plants or Pepper Vines, the plants in this large genus take many forms, including shrubs, herbaceous plants, and vines. 

Panax Species and Varietals

The very large genus Piper is the type genus member of the plant family Piperaceae, and includes between 1,000 and 2,000 distinct species. The genus name is derived from the Sanskrit term pippali, denoting the commonly cultivated species Piper longum. The growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species; for more information, consult the information below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Piper angustifolium (Spiked Pepper, Matico, Hierba del Soldado, Achotlin, Cordoncillo, Higuillo, Higuillo de Hoja Menuda)
These plants are native to central and south America, and has the characteristic smell of all plants in the genus. It forms an evergreen, shrubby tree up to between 20 and 23 feet tall. Fruits are small and contain black seeds. 

Piper auritum (Hoja Santa, Yerba Santa, Hierba Santa, Mexican Pepperleaf, Acuyo, Tlanepa, Anisillo, Root Beer Plant, Vera Cruz Pepper, Sacred Pepper)
These perennial aromatic culinary herbaceous plants reach up to 19 feet tall and has heart-shaped, velvety foliage. Leaves can reach up to a foot wide. White flowers bloom on spikes. The entire plant has a scent similar to Sassafras, and the flavor has been described as a mixture of Eucalyptus, Licorice, Nutmeg, Mint, Tarragon, and Black Pepper. Flavor is strongest in young stems and veins. It is used fresh or dried in many culinary applications in the plant's native range (tropical Central America. Cultivated in California and Florida.

Piper betle (Betel)
These plants are native to southeast Asia, and take the form of evergreen vines with heart-shaped glossy foliage. These plants are cultivated for their leaves, which are used as flavoring. The primary use is as a wrapper for the chewing of Areca nut (or, more recently, Tobacco) to add flavor. It is also used raw in culinary applications for its peppery taste.

Piper capense (African Long Pepper, Ethiopian Long Pepper, Timiz)
This species is a relative of the black pepper plant (Piper nigrum) and its berries are used as a spice. 

Pioer cenocladum (Ant Plants, Ant Pipers)
​This species produces bright green leaves

Caring for Panax


Harvesting Ginseng

Propagation

Bixia orellana seed pods are bright red.
When seeds are mature, seed pods will open.

Problems and Pests

?? plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on common garden problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery

Videos

All about Lipstick Trees.
How to care for a Lipstick Tree in the garden.

Resources

Wikipedia: Piper (plant)
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