Peperomia pellucida aka Shiny Bush

Peperomia pellucida is a small herb in the pepper family, Piperaceae. It grows in warm, wet parts of the world. Kew lists its native range across tropical and subtropical America. That range also includes tropical Africa and Madagascar. It has spread beyond its native range through the tropics. It grows in damp shade, thickets, and mixed forest. It also grows on waste ground near homes.

Most plants stay below 0.8 feet [0.25 metres] tall. The plant usually lives for one year, though some persist longer. Its stems may stand upright, rise at an angle, or trail. They are fleshy and brittle, and root at their nodes. The leaves are juicy and have a spicy taste. Under cultivation, stems can reach 2 feet [0.6 metres] in 100 days. This stem length does not represent the plant's usual height. Flower clusters may form within 30–40 days after transplanting.

This plant grows fast in warm conditions with shade. It needs a minimum temperature of 10°C. It prefers soil rich in humus that drains well. Damp, lightly shaded sites suit it, but drainage still matters. In the wild, it grows in moist or wet sites. Garden plants can also appear in pots and on damp walls. Seed can be sown where the plants will grow. Germination takes about 15 days under the conditions reported by the source.

People gather the leaves for food and grow it as a crop. Local markets in parts of the tropics sell it. Both leaves and young shoots can go into salads. They can also be cooked as greens. Fresh growth has a crisp texture and an aromatic taste. The leaves can also make tea. The plant has a history of medicinal use in South America. Researchers have studied its compounds and possible uses for arthritis and gout. These reports do not establish a proven treatment.

Some growers keep it as an ornamental plant. Yet its heavy seed production can make it a weed. It has spread into gardens and cultivated ground across the tropics. Damp roofs, walls, gullies, and flower pots can support it. Its strong scent resembles mustard. Pulling plants from the ground can trigger symptoms like asthma. Its use as food does not remove this handling risk.