Piper auritum aka Ear Leaf Pepper

Piper auritum belongs to the pepper family, Piperaceae. Its common names include root beer plant and hoja santa. Its native range runs from Mexico to the Guianas and Ecuador. It grows in wet tropical regions, in forests and thickets. It also grows on land where forests have been cleared. Many seeds help it form dense stands on abandoned ground.

This upright plant has few branches and somewhat fleshy growth. It may grow as a shrub or an herbaceous perennial. Garden plants reach about 3–6 feet [1–1.8 metres] tall. They spread about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] wide. Wild plants can reach 20 feet [6 metres] and develop woody bases. The large, heart-shaped leaves can reach 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. RHS lists the foliage as deciduous. Crushed leaves and stems give off a strong anise scent.

Slender flower spikes rise among the bold leaves. Their colour ranges from cream to white. RHS reports summer flowering. Chicago Botanic Garden lists blooms from July through October. The plant draws birds and butterflies, and deer tend to avoid it. Its broad leaves suit shaded borders with a tropical look. RHS also suggests beds, city gardens, and sheltered courtyards. Underground runners allow the plant to spread beyond its first clump.

Grow it in light shade, with shelter from exposure. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. It accepts clay, loam, or sand across a broad pH range. Under heated glass, provide bright filtered light and humid air. Use peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand. RHS gives a UK hardiness rating of H4. Chicago lists USDA zones 8–11 but notes it cannot survive Chicago winters. RHS advises cutting outdoor growth to ground level in late autumn. Sow seeds with warmth in early spring, or take semi-ripe cuttings. Plants reach full size in two to five years. RHS reports few routine pest or disease problems.

People have used the leaves in tamales, sauces, soups, and teas. Some accounts also record young leaves cooked as greens. These uses do not establish safety. Chicago Botanic Garden warns that the main scent compound is a human carcinogen. It advises against culinary use. This warning conflicts with the Tropical Plants Database's statement that it knows of no hazards.