Peperomia polycephala
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| Peperomia polycephala | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| 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]
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]