marigold pepper

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• marigold pepper

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Schilleria marginata
• Artanthe marginata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Piperales, it is a member of the family Piperaceae. It is specifically classified under the genus Piper.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions of Mexico, including the Central, Gulf, Southwest, and Southeast areas. Its presence in the Mexican landscape makes it a common find in diverse ecological zones throughout the country. Moving southward, the species also extends its range into the tropical environments of Central America. Specifically, it can be located within the borders of Belize. Consequently, the geographical footprint of Piper marginatum spans from various Mexican territories down into the heart of Central America.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Piper marginatum is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to an elevation of 2350 m AMSL. This species demonstrates significant ecological plasticity, inhabiting diverse environments including Anthropic Areas (Área Antrópica), the Cerrado (latu sensu), Terra Firme Forests (Floresta de Terra Firme), and Ombrophilous Forests (Floresta Ombrófila/Pluvial). This wide range of habitats suggests an ability to adapt to varying moisture regimes, from the more seasonal conditions of the Cerrado to the consistently humid environments of tropical rainforests.

Elevational range max:

2350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Piper marginatum is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, meaning it maintains its presence in the ecosystem over multiple growing seasons rather than completing a single life cycle. Regarding its growth habit and structural organization, the species exhibits characteristics consistent with phanerophyte life forms, indicating that its buds are located on aerial branches above the ground level. Additionally, its developmental strategy can be described through the lens of nanophanerophyte traits, suggesting a compact growth form where the woody or herbaceous stems remain relatively low to the ground while still maintaining elevated buds.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Piper marginatum is characterized by its growth as a woody shrub that exhibits a self-supporting climbing habit. As a terrestrial plant, it functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not act as a parasite or an epiphyte. The species typically reaches a plant height ranging from a minimum of 2 meters to a maximum of 4 meters. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary stability for its stature within its habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Piper marginatum is characterized by specific seed morphological traits and a particular dispersal mechanism. The species produces very small seeds, with a recorded minimum mass of 0.0001 g and a maximum mass of 0.00029 g, resulting in an average seed mass of approximately 0.00018 g. In terms of its reproductive strategy, the plant exhibits a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, indicating that its seeds are primarily distributed through interactions with animals.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Seed mass max:

0.00029 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00018 g

Seed mass min:

1e-04 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Piper marginatum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,4-(METHYLENEDIOXY)PROPIOPHENONE, noradrenaline, orthophosphate, phosphate.

3,4-(METHYLENEDIOXY)PROPIOPHENONE

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

noradrenaline

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

orthophosphate

1. Clinical and experimental dental research

phosphate

1. Clinical and experimental dental research

Activities

Piper marginatum has 5 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antiinflammatory, Hemostatic, Sympathomimetic, Vasoconstrictor.

Analgesic

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Antiinflammatory

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Hemostatic

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Sympathomimetic

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Vasoconstrictor

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Piper marginatum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Amelogenesis imperfecta, analgesic, dental caries, periodontal diseases, pleurisy.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations