Peperomia maculosa aka Spotted Peperomia

Peperomia maculosa is a small plant that lives for years. It belongs to the pepper family, Piperaceae. People call it cilantro peperomia or radiator plant. Kew lists its native range from Mexico into tropical South America. Useful Tropical Plants also lists Panama and the West Indies. It comes from wet parts of the tropics, not dry climates. The RHS confirms it is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant grows about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Useful Tropical Plants calls it coarse, with thick, fleshy growth. Its very thick leaves form a key part of its interest. Fresh plants have a strong, spicy scent, much like ginger. The records give no mature width or growth rate. They give no leaf colour or shape for this species. They do not describe its flowers or fruit. Nor do they say when it blooms.

In the wild, this plant lives in moist or wet forest. It often grows on other plants, a habit called epiphytic growth. It can also grow on rocks or in the ground. Some records place it on limestone at forest sites. Reported heights above sea level span about 3,609–4,921 feet [1,100–1,500 metres]. These records show that it grows in several ways within forests. They do not show which soil pH it prefers in gardens.

Useful Tropical Plants says to grow it in shade. It also calls for soil rich in humus. The soil should drain well, though the plant comes from wet forests. A photo on that source shows one grown in a conservatory. The sources give no schedule for watering or limit for cold. They give no usable hardiness zone for planting outdoors. The record mentions growing it from seed but gives no method. The accounts list no pests or diseases for this species.

The leaves taste like coriander, and people use them as seasoning. One record notes their use in bean dishes. People also gather wild leaves to sell in local markets. In Guatemala's Cobán region, the plant has a strong role in folk medicine. People bind its thick leaves to the head for headaches. The source notes other uses but does not name the ailments. These reports describe folk use, not proof that treatment works. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. This does not prove it is safe for pets or every use.