Native pepper, Giant Pepper Vine
Piper novae-hollandiae
Family: Piperaceae
What it is like
A tall climber. It has many branches. It forms close curtains over rainforest trees. The leaves are broadly oval and 10 cm long. The leaves on the fruiting branches are smaller. The flower spikes are on one sex. These are 1-2 cm long and are opposite the alternate leaves. The tiny male or female flowers are crowded on the spikes. The fruit are bright red oval berries. These are 5 mm long on stalks 1-2 cm long. Probably now Piper hederaceum.
There are between 1000-2000 Piper species. They are mostly in the tropics. Possibly the same as or confused with Piper hederaceum.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in the rainforest in northern Australia. It grows between 100-1200 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The fruit can be eaten. The seeds can be ground and used like pepper.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds - spice
How it is grown
Plants are grown from fresh seed. They can also be grown from cuttings of young shoots.