Etymology | Genus | Pepper |
---|---|---|
Species | Berry‑like | |
Family | Piperaceae | |
Synonyms | Piper flavimarginatum C.DC. | |
Common Names | Bodeh, Rinu, Rinu Manuk | |
Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
Form | Creeper or climber | |
Native Distribution | India, Malaya, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam |
Despite its native status, Piper baccatum is a common creeper that is found in our nature reserves. It has a heart-shaped leaf, and the stem is frequently covered with red dots. The underside of the leaf is white and has a vevlety feel due to tiny dense white hairs covering it.
A common creeper along Lornie Trail (2025).
Red dots covering the stem.
White underside.
Close up of the tiny white hairs.
Middleton DJ, Gajurel PR, Lindsay S, Lua HK, I.M. Turner IM (2024) Flora of Singapore precursors 48: Further notes on the genus Piper (Piperaceae) in Singapore. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore 76(2): 243–250.