Peperomia polycephala
| Peperomia polycephala | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Magnoliids |
| Order: | Piperales |
| Family: | Piperaceae |
| Genus: | Peperomia |
| Species: | P. polycephala |
| Binomial name | |
| Peperomia polycephala | |
Peperomia polycephala is a species of terrestrial or epiphytic herb in the genus Peperomia that is native to Peru.[1][2] It grows on wet tropical biomes.[1] Its conservation status is Threatened.[3]
Description
The type specimen were collected at Aina, Peru at an altitude of 700-1000 meters above sea level.[4]
Peperomia polycephala is a small, glabrous, stemless herb. The leaves arise from the apex of a thick, compactly branched rhizome. They are orbicular, peltate toward the center, measuring 2–4 cm wide, and are thin when dry. The petiole is 5 cm long or more. The spikes are filiform, 90–100 mm long, with a very slender peduncle nearly equaling the petiole. The berries are ellipsoid-ovoid with a slender basal projection supporting the style, and have an apical stigma.[4]
Taxonomy and naming
It was described in 1936 by William Trelease in Publications of the Field Museum of Natural History, Botanical Series 13, from specimens collected by Ellsworth Paine Killip & Albert Charles Smith.[5]
The epithet is derived from the Greek poly and kephalē, meaning "many-headed," referring to the numerous flower spikes emerging from the compact, many-branched rhizome apex.[4]
Distribution and habitat
It is native to Peru.[2] It grows as a terrestrial or epiphytic herb.[1] It grows on wet tropical biomes.[1]
Conservation
This species is assessed as Threatened, in a preliminary report.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Peperomia polycephala Trel". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Peperomia polycephala Trel". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- 1 2 Bachman, Steven P.; Brown, Matilda J. M.; Leão, Tarciso C. C.; Lughadha, Eimear Nic; Walker, Barnaby E. (2024). "Extinction risk predictions for the world's flowering plants to support their conservation". New Phytologist. 242 (2): 797–808. doi:10.1111/nph.19592. PMID 38437880.
- 1 2 3 Trelease, William. "Publications of the Field Museum of Natural History, Botanical Series 13(2): XX. 1936". Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Bot. Ser. 13(2): XX.
- ↑ "Peperomia polycephala Trel". Tropicos. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
