Peperomia tetraphylla aka Acorn Peperomia

Peperomia tetraphylla is a small herb in the pepper family, Piperaceae. It is perennial, so it lives for more than one year. Its growth is succulent, or fleshy. Kew places its native range in the tropics and subtropics. Useful Tropical Plants also gives a range across the tropics. The RHS lists Peperomia reflexa as another name, or synonym. The plant is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant spreads through stolons, or creeping stems, in tufts. These grow many upright stems and can form dense clumps. Stems reach about 0.3–1 foot [0.1–0.3 metres] tall. Useful Tropical Plants also gives a height of 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. The stems take root at their nodes as they spread. On tree branches, they can form a close mat. The stolons also grow more upright shoots that bear flowers. The supplied species account gives no leaf or flower details. A photo caption notes a fruiting spike but gives no fruit details.

In the wild, this plant grows on trees and rocks. Kew calls it an epiphyte and a lithophyte for these traits. It grows in wet forest, mist forest, and gullies with trees. It also grows on fallen logs and beside rivers. Other records place it on small, rocky hills. They also place it in bushland that stays partly evergreen. These records span heights of 591–9,186 feet [180–2,800 metres] above sea level. Kew links the plant with a wet climate in the tropics. These wild sites do not prove what it needs in pots. The sources give no firm guide to water, light, or hardiness.

People sometimes grow the plant for its looks. Its low, spreading shape offers scope for ground cover. Useful Tropical Plants suggests its use as ground cover in woods. This is a proposed use, not a reported garden trial. The account lists seed as a way to grow more plants. It gives no sowing method or further details on growing it. It gives no account of pests or diseases for this species.

People gather wild plants for local use as medicine. In Asia, folk uses include tonics and care for kidney disorders. People also use crushed leaves as poultices, or packs for sore skin. These treat skin irritation caused by Rhus striata. These are records of past uses, not proof of health gains. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not prove the plant is safe for people or pets.