Black Pepper

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Kerala, India

Source of plant

Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Description

A climber that grows to a height or length of 10 m or more. Once the main stem is established it grows many side shoots to create a bushy column. The plants form short roots, called adventitious roots, which connect to surrounding supports. Leaves: Almond-shaped, tapering towards the tip, dark green and shiny above, paler green below, arranged alternately on the stems. Flowers: Borne in clusters along flowering stalks known as spikes. 50–150 whitish to yellow-green flowers are produced on a spike. Fruits: Round, berry-like, up to 6 mm in diameter, green at first but turning red as they ripen, each containing a single seed. 50–60 fruits are borne on each spike. Fruits are picked when green and immature to produce green pepper; when fully grown but still green and shiny to produce black pepper; and when slightly riper to produce white pepper (for which the fruits are also soaked to remove the fleshy outer layer).

USDA Hardiness Zone

10

Special characteristics

food