Peperomia disticha
| Peperomia disticha | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Magnoliids |
| Order: | Piperales |
| Family: | Piperaceae |
| Genus: | Peperomia |
| Species: | P. disticha
|
| Binomial name | |
| Peperomia disticha | |
Peperomia disticha is a species of subshrub in the genus Peperomia that is endemic in Fiji.[1][2] It grows on wet tropical biomes.[1] Its conservation status is Threatened.[3]
Description
The type specimen were collected near Tailevu, Fiji.[4]
Peperomia disticha is an epiphytic herb that grows over 40 cm (16 in) tall, with stems branching from the base and reaching about 3 mm in thickness when dry. The stems are densely covered in crisp, curly hairs less than 0.25 mm long. Its leaves are arranged alternately in two distinct rows (distichous) and are elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate in shape, measuring 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) long and 1.5–2.5 cm (0.6–1.0 in) wide. Each leaf features a long-acuminate, slightly sickle-shaped tip and an acute base. The upper and lower surfaces are pubescent, with fine hairs along the ciliolate edges. The leaves are palmately 5-nerved, with translucent tissue and no glandular dots. Petioles are up to 5 mm long. The inflorescence consists of small spikes 1–1.5 cm (0.4–0.6 in) long and about 1 mm in diameter, borne in axillary panicle-like clusters of 3–5 spikes. The floral bracts are round-peltate, and the drupes are turbinate to subglobose, roughly 0.75 mm long, with an apical stigma.[4]
This species is distinguished by its crisp pubescence, two-ranked leaf arrangement, and notably short spikes. It bears some resemblance to Peperomia lasiostigma, but differs in its hair type and generally shorter spikes.[4]
Taxonomy and naming
It was described in 1956 by Truman G. Yuncker in Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 83, from specimens collected by Albert Charles Smith.[5] It got its name from description of the species.[4]
Distribution and habitat
It is endemic in Fiji.[2] It grows on an epiphytic subshrub 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
- ^ a b c d "Peperomia disticha Yunck". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Peperomia disticha Yunck". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c d e Yuncker, Truman George. "Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 83: 302, f. 2. 1956". Bull. Torrey Bot. Club. 83: 302.
- ^ "Peperomia disticha Yunck". Tropicos. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
