Piper hederaceum
Australian pepper vine
Overview
Piper hederaceum is an evergreen woody climber that scrambles and climbs 15-50 feet (4.5-15 m) into rainforest canopy, clinging by short roots that grip bark and rock. The stems are jointed and swollen at the nodes. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped to oval, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, glossy dark green, with curved veins running from the base. Tiny flowers without petals are crowded onto narrow fleshy spikes 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long that stand opposite the leaves. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer. The spikes ripen into soft, fleshy fruiting columns that turn red to orange and are eaten by birds. Young stems and leaves carry a peppery scent when crushed. The vine roots where stems touch damp ground, forming new plants. The species grows in rainforest and moist gullies in warm, frost-free districts, climbing trees or sprawling over the forest floor.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland to northeastern New South Wales, with related forms across the western Pacific. Grows in lowland and upland rainforest and moist gullies on fertile, free-draining soils in warm, frost-free areas.Suggested Uses
Grown on trellises, pergolas, fences, and tree trunks in warm-climate and rainforest gardens, and as a groundcover in shaded, moist sites. Used to draw fruit-eating birds with its red-orange fruiting spikes. Its need for warmth and moisture limits use to frost-free districts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 50'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to greenishFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to filtered light on moist, fertile, free-draining soils, climbing a tree, frame, or wall for support. It needs warm, frost-free conditions and regular water, and is damaged by drought and hard frost. Established vines climb steadily and can be cut back to keep them within bounds. Stems that touch damp soil take root, so the vine can spread along the ground. It is propagated from cuttings or rooted layers. Few pests trouble it in suitable conditions.Pruning
Stems can be cut back through the warmer months to control size and direction. Cutting near a node prompts branching. Old or tangled growth can be thinned to keep the vine open.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons