''Peperomia nivalis'' is a species of plant in the genus ''

Peperomia ''Peperomia'' is one of the two large genera of the family Piperaceae. It is estimated that there are at least over 1,000 species, occurring in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are concentrated in northern South America a ...

'' endemic to

Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = Seal (emblem), National seal , national_motto = "Fi ...

. Its native habitat is found in the high altitude ranges of the peruvian

Andes The Andes, Andes Mountains or Andean Mountains (; ) are the longest continental mountain range in the world, forming a continuous highland along the western edge of South America. The range is long, wide (widest between 18°S – 20°S ...

. ''P. nivalis'' is a compact erect

succulent In botany, succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. The word ''succulent'' comes from the Latin word ''sucus'', meani ...

herb with fleshy stems and leaves. The thick leaves are cuneate and U-shaped in cross-section with epidermal windows on the top-side. The leaf color is bright green in the shady summer and reddish during dry sunny seasons. In addition to the basic ''P. nivalis'' four other

varieties Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

and

forms Form is the shape, visual appearance, or configuration of an object. In a wider sense, the form is the way something happens. Form also refers to: *Form (document), a document (printed or electronic) with spaces in which to write or enter data * ...

are known: ''Peperomia nivalis ''f.'' diminuta'', ''Peperomia nivalis ''var.'' compacta'', ''Peperomia nivalis ''var.'' lepadiphylla'' (a.k.a. ''Peperomia pruinosifolia''), and ''Peperomia nivalis ''var.'' sanmarcensis''. They all share basic characteristics, such as the windowed leaves, but there also clear differences. For example, the variety ''P. nivalis lepadiphylla'' features trailing rather than erect stems and shorter leaves which resemble peas or lentils. Peperomia nivalis var lepadiphylla in cultivation

Peperomia nivalis var lepadiphylla in cultivation

Varieties of ''Peperomia nivalis'' are sometimes kept as

ornamental plant Ornamental plants or garden plants are plants that are primarily grown for their beauty but also for qualities such as scent or how they shape physical space. Many flowering plants and garden varieties tend to be specially bred cultivars that i ...

s, especially by

succulent plant In botany, succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. The word ''succulent'' comes from the Latin word ''sucus'', meani ...

collectors. Due to their fleshy leaves and stems they are drought-tolerant and can survive weeks without water. Overwatering can be highly detrimental. They should always be watered moderately and be left without any water when temperatures are low. ''P. nivalis'' and ''P. nivalis'' var. ''lepadiphylla'' are also used in peruvian

folk medicine Traditional medicine (also known as indigenous medicine or folk medicine) comprises medical aspects of traditional knowledge that developed over generations within the folk beliefs of various societies, including indigenous peoples, before the ...

. The thick leaves are crushed leaving a sap which, after roasting, is used as drops against

otitis Otitis is a general term for inflammation or infection, inner ear infection, middle ear infection of the ear, in both humans and other animals. When infection is present, it may be viral or bacterial. When inflammation is present due to fluid buil ...

and

conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. It makes the eye appear pink or reddish. Pain, burning, scratchiness, or itchiness may ...

References

External links

TAMU Ornamentals Profile
{{Taxonbar, from=Q7166269 nivalis Flora of Peru Drought-tolerant plants Succulent plants Alpine flora