Piper auritum aka Ear Leaf Pepper
Taxonomy
Piper auritum, also known as hoja santa or sacred leaf, is an aromatic culinary herb in the pepper family Piperaceae. Native to tropical Central America, this tender shrub can be grown outdoors as a herbaceous perennial. It features large, heart-shaped leaves that emit a pungent aroma and cream-colored rat's tail-like flowers during the summer. Other common names for Piper auritum include yerba santa, Mexican pepperleaf, acuyo, tlanepa, anisillo, root beer plant, Vera Cruz pepper, and sacred pepper. In general, the Piper genus includes shrubs, climbers, and small trees with leaves that range from narrowly-oval to rounded and may also have a strong scent. The flowers of Piper auritum appear in narrow spikes and are followed by single-seeded fruit.
Common names
Ear Leaf Pepper, Sacred Pepper, Vera Cruz PepperHow to care for Ear Leaf Pepper
Difficulty
Ear Leaf Pepper presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Ear Leaf Pepper should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Ear Leaf Pepper prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
More info:
Wikipedia
