Peperomia arctebaccata

Peperomia arctebaccata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Magnoliids
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia
Species:
P. arctebaccata
Binomial name
Peperomia arctebaccata

Peperomia arctebaccata is a species of epiphyte in the genus Peperomia that is endemic in Peru.[1][2] It grows on wet tropical biomes.[1] Its conservation status is Threatened.[3]

Description

The type specimen were collected near Chanchamayo Valley, Peru at an altitude of 1000 meters.[4]

Peperomia arctebaccata is a moderately small, densely tufted herb that roots closely along its stems, with a dichotomous branching pattern and a smooth surface. Its stems are 2 mm thick, firm, and somewhat scaly with exfoliating bark. The leaves are opposite or arranged in whorls of three or four, elliptical in shape with a blunt, slightly mucronate tip. They are scarcely 10 mm long and 5 mm wide, opaque, very thick, and have revolute margins. The undersides appear brownish when dried, with no visible nerves. Petioles are only 1 to 2 mm long. The flower spikes are terminal, 30 to 50 mm long and 2 mm thick, densely flowered, with each flower set into deep, oblong pits. They are borne on a thick peduncle 5 to 10 mm long. The floral bracts are minute, rounded, and peltate. The berries are extremely numerous, each with a short pseudocupula and a terminal 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 Carlos Schunke.[5] It got its name from the description of the type specimen. [4]

Distribution and habitat

It is endemic in Peru.[2] It grows on a epiphyte environment and is a herb.[1][4] It grows on wet tropical biomes.[1]

Conservation

This species is assessed as Threatened, in a preliminary report.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Peperomia arctebaccata Trel". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Peperomia arctebaccata Trel". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b Bachman, Steven P.; Brown, Matilda J. M.; Leão, Tarciso C. C.; Lughadha, Eimear Nic; Walker, Barnaby E. (2024). "Extinction risk predictions for the world's flowering plants to support their conservation". New Phytologist. 242 (2): 797–808. doi:10.1111/nph.19592. PMID 38437880.
  4. ^ a b c d Trelease, William. ":Publications of the Field Museum of Natural History, Botanical Series 13(357): 23. 1936". Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Bot. Ser. 13(357): 23.
  5. ^ "Peperomia arctebaccata Trel". Tropicos. Retrieved 13 March 2026.