Family: Piperaceae
Common Name: Pepper

Native to many tropical regions of the world, this genus comprises more than 1000 species of climbing shrubs and trees, including P. nigrum which is grown commercially for its black and white pepper. Only a few of the species are in general cultivation, usually as ornamentals.

Species

P. betle, from India, is a climbing shrub with green flowers and fleshy, red fruits. The leaves of this species are packed into a plug and masticated like chewing gum.

P. kadsura, Japanese pepper, is a deciduous shrub which climbs by aerial roots.

P. methysticum, from the Pacific Islands, is a shrub growing to 2-6 m (6-20 ft). It is widely cultivated, especially in Fiji, for the preparation of the drink, kava-kava.

P. nigrum, common pepper, from Malaysia and India, is an attractive climbing shrub with glossy, green leaves and green fruit which matures to red, then to black. Black pepper is made by grinding the whole fruit, while white pepper is made from the inside of the fruit.

Cultivation

Grow in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in pots of soil-based potting compost, with shade from direct sun and a humid atmosphere. Propagate from seed in spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both with bottom heat.

Climate

Zone 10 to tropical.