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PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA L. - SHINY BUSH.
SynonymsPeperomia exigua, peperomia translucens, piper pellicudum L. Common name Shiny bush, pepper elder, man-to-man, rat-ear, pansit pansitan, konsaka wiwiri, càng cua, pak krasang, olasiman ihalas, suna-kosho, rangu-rangu, coracaozinho, lingua de sapo, erva-de-vidro, Clearweed. Family Piperaceae (Pepper family). Overview A common fleshy tropical annual herb in Suriname growing up to 1 feet tall. The stem initially erect, glabrous; fleshy leaves are heart shaped, shiny light green and it has very small bi-sexual flowers growing in the form of cord-like spikes arising from the leaf axils. The fruits are also very small; round to oblong, ridged, first green later black. They have one single seed. Shiny bush has a mustard like odor. The plant can be utilized as a vegetable and in salads, but the shiny bush has also medicinal applications. Suriname's traditional medicine A solution of the fresh juice of stem and leaves is used against eye inflammation. It is also applied against coughing, fever, common cold, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, against kidney - and prostate problems and against high blood pressure. Used in the treatment of abscesses, furuncles, gout, rheumatic pains and conjunctivitis. This plant is reported to have analgesic activity; antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, and antifungal activity. Hardiness USDA zone 9B - 11. Propagation Seeds and cuttings. Culture Shade and loose moist soil, plant in frostless spots; needs high humidity. |