Family: Piperaceae
Author: (G.Forst.) Hook. & Arn.
Bibliography: Bot. Beechey Voy.: 97 (1832)
Year: 1832
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Peperomia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Tropics & Subtropics
Description
The Acorn Peperomia, known scientifically as Peperomia tetraphylla, is a captivating plant that belongs to the family Piperaceae. This delightful species captures the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, boasting a rich heritage first documented in the early 19th century. The distinguished botanists G. Forst., Hooker, and Arnott included this plant in their botanical records in 1832, acknowledging its unique characteristics and adding to the scientific understanding of the time.
This plant originates from tropical and subtropical regions, making it well-suited to warm and humid environments. In these climates, Peperomia tetraphylla thrives, exhibiting lush foliage that appeals to those looking to bring a touch of the tropics into their homes or gardens. Its adaptability to indoor conditions also makes it a popular houseplant, capable of flourishing with proper care and attention.
Peperomia tetraphylla features small, rounded leaves that often form in clumps, giving it a distinct and charming appearance reminiscent of acorns, hence its common name. The leaves, usually a vibrant green, can vary in texture and sometimes display intriguing variegations. This aesthetic versatility makes the Acorn Peperomia a favorite among plant collectors who enjoy creating diverse and visually engaging plant displays.
Cultivating Peperomia tetraphylla is relatively straightforward, provided it receives adequate light, moisture, and appropriate soil conditions. It prefers indirect light, thriving best in bright but shaded areas that mimic the dappled sunlight of its natural forest understorey habitat. Well-draining soil and careful watering – allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings – can help prevent common issues such as root rot.
Beyond its ornamental value, the Acorn Peperomia is appreciated for its low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its resilience and ability to adapt to indoor environments ensure that it continues to be a beloved plant species, contributing to the lush, green beauty of interior spaces around the world.
Common Names
Eng: acorn peperomia
En: Acorn peperomia
Fr: Pourpier marron
Synonyms
- Piper tetraphyllum (G.Forst.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Free State (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Lesotho (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mauritius (native)
- Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New South Wales (native)
- New Zealand North (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Norfolk Is. (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Réunion (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Society Is. (native)
- Socotra (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Tubuai Is. (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Easter Is. (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Rep TRY (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 7, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3086448)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1068802-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Peperomia tetraphylla (G.Forst.) Hook. & Arn.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb