Caracas pepper

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Caracas pepper

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Artanthe jacquemontiana
• Steffensia citrifolia
• Artanthe jalapensis
• Steffensia jacquemontiana
• Piper longicuspe
• Artanthe trichostachya
• Piper sagax
• Piper preslii
• Piper pseudojalapense
• Piper wydlerianum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Piperales and the family Piperaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Piper.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across various regions within Mexico. Its distribution includes the central part of the country and extends along the Gulf coast. Additionally, it can be found throughout the southwestern territories of Mexico. The species also inhabits the southeastern portions of the nation. Finally, its geographical range stretches into Central America, specifically within Belize.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Piper jacquemontianum is characterized by its preference for forest environments, where it thrives within the complex structural layers of the ecosystem. This species occupies a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL. By inhabiting these diverse forest habitats across such a wide elevational range, the plant adapts to varying microclimates and moisture levels inherent to different forest strata and topographic positions.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest

Life history

The life history of Piper jacquemontianum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its natural habitat over multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its life cycle in a single season but instead establishes a long-term presence, often developing robust root systems and woody structures that support continuous growth and regeneration. This longevity enables the plant to adapt to environmental fluctuations and contribute to the stability of its ecosystem through sustained vegetative development and periodic reproductive cycles.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Piper jacquemontianum is characterized by a woody structure that exhibits a shrub-like growth form. As a terrestrial species, it functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies toward other plants. While it possesses climbing characteristics, it is classified as a self-supporting climber, meaning it does not rely on obligatory or facultative attachment to other structures for its primary development. Its habitat and growth habit are strictly terrestrial, distinguishing it from aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic lifestyles, as it does not function as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other form of epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Piper jacquemontianum is characterized by the production of fleshy fruits, a trait that facilitates its specific dispersal strategy. The plant exhibits a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to aid in the movement of its reproductive units. The seeds produced are remarkably uniform in their physical dimensions, maintaining a consistent seed volume of 0.77 mm³ (with both minimum and maximum values recorded at this level). Furthermore, the seeds are extremely lightweight, possessing a constant seed mass of 0.00086 g, which reflects the highly specialized morphological characteristics of its propagules.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed mass mean:

0.00086 g

Seed volume max:

0.77 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Piper jacquemontianum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxychroman-4-one, 2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxymethoxychroman-4-one, CARDAMOMIN, Jaqueflavanone A, Pinocembrin.

2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxychroman-4-one

1. Journal of natural medicines

2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxymethoxychroman-4-one

1. Journal of natural medicines

CARDAMOMIN

1. Journal of natural medicines

Jaqueflavanone A

1. Journal of natural medicines

Pinocembrin

1. Journal of natural medicines

Conditions

Piper jacquemontianum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Chagas disease.

Chagas disease

1. Journal of natural medicines

Preparations

Piper jacquemontianum has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extract of aerial parts, methanolic extracts.

Methanolic extract of aerial parts

1. Journal of natural medicines

Methanolic extracts

1. Journal of natural medicines