Family: Piperaceae
Author: (Kunth) Kunth ex Steud.
Bibliography: Nomencl. Bot., ed. 2, 2: 341 (1841)
Year: 1841
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Piper
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. Mexico to C. America, Hispaniola to Puerto Rico
Description
The Caracas pepper, scientifically known as Piper jacquemontianum, is a distinguished member of the Piperaceae family. This species, described in the authoritative botanical literature of the time, particularly in the authoritative work “Nomenclator Botanicus,” second edition, volume 2, page 341 published in 1841, is noted under the authorship of Kunth, with contributions by Steudel.
Native to a broad range stretching from Central Mexico through Central America and extending to the Caribbean islands such as Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, the Caracas pepper thrives in these diverse tropical locales. The species is part of a rich botanical heritage, finding its place within various ecological niches in these regions. Its presence across such wide geographical areas indicates its adaptability and ecological significance.
The Caracas pepper belongs to the genus Piper, which is known for including various economically and culturally significant plants, such as black pepper (Piper nigrum). As a member of this genus, Piper jacquemontianum contributes to the diversity and overall importance of the Piperaceae family. Its specific attributes in terms of cultivation, adaptation, and uses in local cultures are aspects that could be explored further for those interested in ethnobotany, horticulture, and regional flora studies.
Common Names
Eng: caracas pepper
En: Caracas pepper
Synonyms
- Steffensia jacquemontiana (Kunth)
- Piper pseudojalapense (McKown)
- Steffensia citrifolia ((Lam.) Kunth)
- Piper sagax (Trel.)
- Piper longicuspe (Willd. ex Kunth)
- Piper preslii (C.DC.)
- Piper wydlerianum (C.DC.)
- Artanthe jalapensis (Miq.)
- Artanthe trichostachya (Miq.)
- Piper jalapense ((Miq.) C.DC.)
- Artanthe jacquemontiana ((Kunth) Miq.)
- Piper rugosum (Vahl)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 1, 2022 by TheDenssy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 1, 2022 by TheDenssy (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 20, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
© 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)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:681789-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3086339)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Piper jacquemontianum Kunth)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub
