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Peperomia tetragona Ruiz & Pav.
Family Name: | Piperaceae |
Synonyms: | Peperomia puteolata Trel. |
Common Name: | Parallel Peperomia |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
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Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Herbaceous vine with a creeping or trailing growth habit, growing up to 0.6 m long. |
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Foliage | Stiff, leathery leaves are elliptic to lanceolate with entire leaf margin. There are 5 prominent, slightly sunken veins that run longitudinally and create a dark green and cream-striped pattern. Leaf arrangement is whorled with 3 - 4 leaves per node (point of leaf attachment to stem). |
Stems | Reddish purple stems are round and tomentose (covered in soft, short hairs). |
Flowers | Tiny, green flowers are borne on spike inflorescence that resemble rat tails. |
Habitat | Occurs in rainforests. |
Cultivation | This species is slow growing, but easy to grow. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil and allow the soil to dry before re-watering. |
Etymology | The genus Peperomia means resembling pepper and is derived from the Greek words homoios (similar to) and peperi (pepper). |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
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Landscape Uses | Groundcover, Container Planting, Terrarium |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Slow |
Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Green - Light Green |
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Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 30227 |
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Species ID | 4536 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |