50 Seeds w/Instructions
Peperomia pellucida is an annual, shallow-rooted herb, usually growing to a height of about 6-15 inches. It is an attractive houseplant that is both compact and easy to grow. Its glossy, heart-shaped, succulent leaves and low profile are the basis for its common name. Flowering year-round, the plant is found in various shaded, damp habitats all over Asia and the Americas. It grows in clumps, thriving in loose, humid soils and a tropical to subtropical climate.
Peperomia pellucida has a long history of medicinal use in S. America, and this use has spread with the plant to other countries in the tropics. It belongs to the 'preferred list' of medicinal plants, being studied for its use in the treatment of arthritis and gout. Peperomia pellucida is popularly known as coraçãozinho in the Brazilian northeast and is used in the treatment of abscesses, furuncles, and conjunctivitis.
Peperomia pellucida has been used as a food item as well as a medicinal herb. Although mostly grown for its ornamental foliage, the entire plant is edible, both cooked and raw. Succulent leaves and stems may be eaten as vegetable. In salads, the fresh plant has the crispness of carrot sticks and celery. Used as a potherb, or cooked as greens. The leaves are also brewed into a tea.
Other Names: Shiny bush, pepper elder, silverbush, rat-ear, man-to-man, plenetaria, rau cang cua, hat cang cua, Crab Claw herb, Krasang Teap, clearweed, Pansit-Pansitan. Syn: Piper concinnum, Peperomia translucens, Piper pellucidum.
