Piperaceae -- the pepper family (10/2000 widespread tropically)
Habit Herbs, shrubs and small trees, terrestrial and epiphytic, commonly succulent
Leaves mostly alternate, some opposite, whorled; often punctately glandular (ethereal oils) attached to swollen nodes; simple, palmate or pinnately veined
Inflorescence spike
Special floral characters apetalous flowers on spikes
Perianth highly reduced, flowers subtended by peltate (shield-shaped) bracts
Androecium 1-10 stamens, distinct
Gynoecium 2-5 carpels, connate; superior; 2-5 stigmas
Fruit= drupe or drupelet
(Floral formula: A1-10 G2-5 )