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.
The Piperaceae, also known as the pepper family, are a large family of flowering plants. The group contains roughly 3,600 currently accepted species in 5 genera. The vast majority of species can be found within the two main genera: Piper and Peperomia.
Peperomia espinosae is a species of plant in the family Piperaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador and Peru.
Peperomia graveolens is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador.
Peperomia pellucida is an annual, shallow-rooted herb, usually growing to a height of about 15 to 45 cm, it is characterized by succulent stems, shiny, heart-shaped, fleshy leaves and tiny, dot-like seeds attached to several fruiting spikes. It has a mustard-like odor when crushed.
Peperomia tetraphylla, known as the acorn peperomia or four-leaved peperomia, is a small plant in the Peperomia genus and the Piperaceae family that grows natively in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Additionally in can found on Easter Island as an introduced species.
Peperomia argyreia, the watermelon peperomia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Piperaceae, native to northern South America, including Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The plant is not closely related to either watermelons or begonias. These terms relate to the shape, markings and texture of the leaves. Growing to 20 cm (7.9 in) tall and broad, it is a perennial with asymmetrical oval green leaves, slightly fleshy, strikingly marked with curved silver stripes, and red stems. Tiny green flower spikes appear in summer.
Peperomia blanda, the arid-land peperomia, is a species of herb in the family Piperaceae. The species has a natural pan-tropical distribution that encompasses Asia, Africa, Australasia, Polynesia and the Americas. The species typically grows as a perennial, somewhat succulent herb to 30 cm in height, though the form varies from prostrate and creeping to up to 60 cm tall depending on environment and genotype. The typical habitat is damp rock crevices and steep stream banks.
Peperomia obtusifolia, also known as the baby rubberplant, American rubber plant, or pepper face, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Peperomia under the family Piperaceae, native to Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean. The specific epithet obtusifolia means "blunt-leaved". The plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Peperomia alata, commonly known as the winged peperomia, is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. Its native range covers most of tropical and subtropical America, from southern North America through West Indies and Central America to South America. It can also be found in Florida, although there it is apparently rare, known for certain only from swamps in Collier County.
Peperomia pernambucensis is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia in the family Piperaceae. Its native range is in Central and South America from Nicaragua to Bolivia.
Peperomia dolabriformis is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia in the family Piperaceae. The species is also known as prayer pepper. The plant is used as an ornamental houseplant. It is native to Ecuador and Peru.
Peperomia serpens, the vining peperomia, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Peperomia and family Piperaceae, native to the New World Tropics. The plant is perennial.
Peperomia fraseri, commonly known as the flowering pepper, is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. Its native range covers Colombia and Peru. It has also been introduced to Ecuador and Guatemala.
Peperomia quadrangularis, commonly known as the beetle peperomia, is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. Its native range is in tropical America, including areas in northern South America, Central America and the West Indies.
Peperomia glabella, commonly known as the cypress peperomia or wax privet, is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. Its native range is from southern North America to central South America. Three varieties are known. In addition to the basic one they are P. glabella var. nudipetiolata and P. glabella var. obtusa (Steyerm.).
Peperomia perciliata is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. It is native to Colombia.
Peperomia deppeana is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. Its native range reaches from Mexico to Central America.
Peperomia incana, commonly known as felted pepperface, is a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae. It is native to Brazil. Kept in cultivation at Kew Gardens since 1815, the species is notable among Peperomia for its thick, cordate leaves that are covered with a fuzzy, felt-like down.
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.
