Piper piscatorum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further categorized under the order Piperales and the family Piperaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement concludes within the genus Piper.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions of South America. In the northern part of the continent, it can be found throughout French Guiana, Guyana, and Venezuela. Its range extends into Western South America, specifically within the borders of Bolivia. Additionally, the species is documented within the West-Central region of Brazil. Together, these locations highlight the diverse tropical habitats where the plant thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Piper piscatorum is characterized by its preference for the Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), where it thrives within the high-moisture conditions of the tropical rainforest ecosystem. This species occupies a specific altitudinal niche, maintaining an elevational range that begins at 80 m AMSL and reaches a maximum of 110 m AMSL. Within this narrow lowland belt, the plant relies on the stable humidity and shaded microclimates provided by the dense canopy of the rainforest to support its growth and biological processes.

Elevational range max:

110 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

80 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Morphology

The morphology of Piper piscatorum is characterized by a woody structure and a growth form that can be described as a shrub. It functions as an independent organism, lacking parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence, avoiding aquatic or semiaquatic habitats. While it exhibits climbing characteristics, it is classified as a self-supporting liana or vine rather than an obligatory climber. Furthermore, it does not function as an epiphyte, remaining strictly terrestrial rather than occupying hemi-epiphytic or facultative epiphytic niches.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Piper piscatorum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Pipercallosidine, Piperovatine.

Pipercallosidine

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Piperovatine

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology