Vinagre (Peperomia serpens, J.C.Loudon, Hort. Brit.: 13 (1830))

Family: Piperaceae

Author: (Sw.) G.Don

Bibliography: J.C.Loudon, Hort. Brit.: 13 (1830)

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Peperomia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Vinagre plant, scientifically known as Peperomia serpens, is an intriguing member of the Piperaceae family, cherished for its distinctive foliage and widespread adaptability. First described in the early 19th century by G. Don, drawing from the works of J.C. Loudon in “Hort. Brit.: 13 (1830),” this plant finds its roots in regions stretching from southern Mexico to Tropical America.

Peperomia serpens is recognized not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robust adaptability in various environments. Typically thriving in tropical climates, the plant showcases trailing stems adorned with lush green, heart-shaped leaves. These leaves, often displaying a succulent trait, are efficient at retaining moisture, making Vinagre a resilient choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

Belonging to the rich and diverse Piperaceae family, which includes pepper plants, Peperomia serpens stands out due to its versatile nature and ease of care. It flourishes in well-drained, humus-rich soil and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for novice gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts alike. The plant prefers moderate, indirect light, thriving in shaded to semi-shaded conditions, which mimic its natural habitat on the forest floors of tropical regions.

In terms of propagation, Peperomia serpens can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. This ensures that gardeners can effortlessly expand their collection or share this delightful plant with others. Its non-demanding nature also means it has low fertilizer requirements, needing only occasional feeding to maintain its vigorous growth.

The Vinagre plant, with its modest requirements and charming appearance, continues to be a popular choice among plant lovers. Its ability to adapt to a variety of growing conditions, coupled with its low maintenance needs, make it a perfect addition to any green space, whether in a tropical garden or as part of a cozy indoor plant display.

Common Names

Eng: vinagre
En: Vinagre
Fr: Grand moron

Synonyms

• Piper scandens ((Ruiz & Pav.) Vahl)
• Piper guildingianum (Spreng.)
• Peperomia scandens var. longispica (Trel.)
• Piper pulicare ((Opiz) D.Dietr.)
• Piper herbaceum (Miq.)
• Peperomia repens (Kunth)
• Acrocarpidium pulicare ((Opiz) Miq.)
• Peperomia scandens (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Acrocarpidium repens ((Kunth) Miq.)
• Peperomia pulicaris (Opiz)
• Piper myosuros (Willd. ex D.Dietr.)
• Acrocarpidium scandens ((Ruiz & Pav.) Miq.)
• Piper repens (Poir.)
• Peperomia guildingiana ((Spreng.) A.Dietr.)
• Acrocarpidium serpens ((Sw.) Miq.)
• Acrocarpidium guildingianum ((Spreng.) Miq.)
• Peperomia myosurus (Willd. ex A.Dietr.)
• Piper serpens (Sw.)
• Piper bracteatum (J.V.Thomps.)
• Acrocarpidium repens f. minus (Miq.)
• Verhuellia serpens ((Sw.) Miq.)
• Peperomia ionophylla (Griseb.)
• Peperomia scandens var. fertilior (C.DC.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Ana Lucia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2020 by Zuñiga Mauricio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Fuentes Yasiris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2020 by melo Karina (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2019 by Rogerio Rogerio Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 25, 2021 by Lucie Gaspari (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Rubn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2021 by flor xiodari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by Fracacio Rafael (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by paryn.plants (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Serena boettcher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Abhinav Pawar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Delgado Miguel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Delgado Miguel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2021 by eileen ladiao (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 31, 2007 by Jean-François Molino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Claudia Weidt-Goldmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Bensaid Amel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by soares Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Félix Alberto Rosales Zúñiga (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 30, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2021 by Camacho Silvio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by rosa Patricia (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)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3086421)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:679841-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Peperomia serpens (Sw.) Loudon)

Specifications

Growth