Peperomia is one of the two large genera of the family Piperaceae. It is estimated that there are at least over 1,000 species, occurring in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are concentrated in northern South America and Central America, but are also found in Africa, southern Asia, and Oceania. The exact number is difficult to tell as some plants have been recorded several times with different names and new species continue to be discovered. Peperomias have adapted to many different environments and their appearance varies greatly. Some are epiphytes or lithophytes, and many are xerophytes (drought-tolerant) either with thick succulent structures or with underground tubers (geophytes). Most species are compact perennial shrubs or vines.
Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron is a species of flowering plant native to tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama. It has been introduced to many tropical areas, and has become a mildly invasive species in Hawaii, Seychelles, Ascension Island and the Society Islands. It is very widely grown in temperate zones as a houseplant.
Caladium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. They are often known by the common name elephant ear, heart of Jesus, and angel wings. There are over 1000 named cultivars of Caladium bicolor from the original South American plant.
Haworthia is a large genus of small succulent plants endemic to Southern Africa (Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa).
Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as pig's ear or round-leafed navel-wort, is a South African succulent plant belonging to the genus Cotyledon.
Curio rowleyanus, syn. Senecio rowleyanus, is a flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is a creeping, perennial, succulent vine native to the drier parts of southwest Africa. In its natural environment its stems trail on the ground, rooting where they touch and form dense mats. It often avoids direct sunlight by growing in the shade of other plants and rocks. It is commonly known as string-of-pearls or string-of-beads.
Peperomia graveolens is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador.
Conophytum is a genus of South African and Namibian succulent plants that belong to the family Aizoaceae. The name is derived from the Latin conus (cone) and Greek phytum (plant). The plants are also known as knopies, waterblasies, sphaeroids, conos, cone plants, dumplings, or button plants.
Peperomia nivalis is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia endemic to Peru. Its native habitat is found in the high altitude ranges of the peruvian Andes. P. nivalis is a compact erect succulent herb with fleshy stems and leaves. The thick leaves are cuneate and U-shaped in cross-section with epidermal windows on the top-side. The leaf color is bright green in the shady summer and reddish during dry sunny seasons.
Peperomia columella is a species of plant in the family Piperaceae. The species is endemic to Peru. It grows in dry areas, often in crevices on steep cliffs or in sandy soil. It grows to about 20 cm in height, forming snake-like stems, which carry closely packed succulent bright green leaves. The leaves are truncated, U-shape in cross-section, with epidermal windows on top. It can be kept as a houseplant and has received the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Haworthia truncata, locally known as horse's teeth, is a species of succulent plant in the genus Haworthia. It is found in the Little Karoo region, in the far east of the Western Cape Province, South Africa.
Haworthia magnifica is a species of the genus Haworthia belonging to the family Asphodelaceae.
Crassula ovata, commonly known as jade plant, lucky plant, money plant or money tree, is a succulent plant with small pink or white flowers that is native to the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, and Mozambique; it is common as a houseplant worldwide. Much of its popularity stems from the low levels of care needed; the jade plant requires little water and can survive in most indoor conditions. It is sometimes referred to as the money tree; however, Pachira aquatica also has this nickname.
Leaf window, also known as epidermal window, and fenestration. is a specialized leaf structure consisting of a translucent area through which light can enter the interior surfaces of the leaf where photosynthesis can occur. The translucent structure may include epidermal tissue, and in some succulent plants it consists of several cell layers of parenchyma, which may also function as water-storage tissue. It can appear as a large continuous patch, a variegated or reticulated region, or as numerous small spots. Is found in some succulent plants native to arid climates, allowing much of the plant to remain beneath the soil surface where it is protected from desiccation by winds and heat while optimizing light absorption. Many species featuring leaf windows are native to Southern Africa.
Glottiphyllum depressum is a common species of succulent plant, of the family Aizoaceae, native to South Africa.
Dischidia ovata is a plant in the genus Dischidia native to New Guinea and North Queensland. Named scientifically for its ovate leaves, its common name refers to the leaf venation that resembles a watermelon, similarly to unrelated plants like Peperomia argyreia. The species is succulent and grows as an epiphytic or lithophytic vine in a variety of habitats.
Peperomia boivinii is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. It is endemic to the Comoro Islands situated between the southeastern coast of Africa and Madagascar. It is sometimes called the jade peperomia.
Peperomia kimnachii is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. It is native to Bolivia, often growing as an epiphyte.
Peperomia verticillata is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. It is native to the Caribbean islands.
Peperomia polybotrya, commonly known as raindrop peperomia or raindrop plant, is a species of perennial plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. It is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
