Needle-leaf wax plant (Peperomia galioides, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 1: 71 (1816))

Family: Piperaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 1: 71 (1816)

Year: 1816

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Peperomia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Needle-leaf wax plant, scientifically known as Peperomia galioides, is a fascinating and versatile species that belongs to the Piperaceae family. Originating from an expansive range that stretches from Mexico to Tropical America, this plant has adapted to a variety of climates and conditions, showcasing its robust nature and resilience.

First identified and classified by Kunth in 1816, the Peperomia galioides was detailed in the seminal work “Nov. Gen. Sp.” written by renowned botanists F.W.H. von Humboldt, A.J.A. Bonpland, and C.S. Kunth. This documentation provided a crucial foundation for understanding the distribution and characteristics of the species.

The Needle-leaf wax plant is aptly named for its distinctive foliage. Its leaves are slender and elongated, resembling needles, which offer a unique aesthetic compared to the broader leaves typical of many other peperomias. The waxy coating on the leaves not only contributes to the plant’s striking appearance but also plays a critical role in its survival, particularly in various tropical environments where water retention is essential.

Peperomia galioides is celebrated for its decorative appeal, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts and horticulturists. Its compact growth habit and attractive leaf structure render it an excellent candidate for use in both indoor and outdoor gardens. Moreover, its ease of care and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions make it an accessible option for novice gardeners looking to expand their plant collections.

Despite its widespread range, the Needle-leaf wax plant remains a lesser-known gem within the vast world of botany. Its adaptability and resilience are testaments to the incredible diversity and complexity of plant life in tropical regions. As such, it continues to intrigue and delight those who take the time to cultivate and appreciate its unique beauty.

Common Names

En: Needle-leaf Wax Plant, Pine Peperomia
Qu: Kunquña

Synonyms

• Peperomia menkeana (Miq.)
• Peperomia muscicola (C.DC.)
• Peperomia medianiana (Trel.)
• Peperomia ceapanana (Trel.)
• Peperomia novella (Trel.)
• Peperomia brachyiula (Trel.)
• Peperomia oblongifolia (C.DC.)
• Peperomia garrapatilla (Trel.)
• Peperomia artatiflora (Trel.)
• Peperomia muscisedens (C.DC.)
• Peperomia trullifolia (Trel.)
• Peperomia granata (Trel.)
• Peperomia galioides var. aprica (Henschen)
• Peperomia gallitoensis (Trel.)
• Peperomia anisophylla (C.DC.)
• Peperomia galioides var. aromatica (C.DC.)
• Peperomia amphoterophylla (Trel.)
• Peperomia agapatensis (C.DC.)
• Peperomia san-buenaventurana (Trel.)
• Peperomia galioides var. menkeana ((Miq.) C.DC.)
• Peperomia guayabillosana (Trel.)
• Peperomia galioides var. longifolia (C.DC.)
• Peperomia dendroides (Trel.)
• Peperomia amphoterophylla var. glutineofructa (Trel.)
• Peperomia dendromorphis (Trel.)
• Peperomia apoda (Trel.)
• Peperomia galioides var. umbrosa (Henschen)
• Peperomia distractiflora (Trel.)
• Peperomia longispica (Trel.)
• Peperomia jamesonii (Regel)
• Piper galioides ((Kunth) Poir.)
• Peperomia chillonensis (Trel.)
• Peperomia inaequalifolia var. galioides ((Kunth) Pino)
• Peperomia subcorymbosa (Sodiro)
• Peperomia galioides var. saxicola (C.DC.)
• Peperomia galiifolia (Trel.)
• Peperomia redondoana (Trel.)
• Peperomia okarana (Trel.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Freitas Margarida (cc-by-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:678659-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7305021)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Peperomia galioides Kunth)

Specifications

Growth