Winged Peperomia

Description

Peperomia alata, the winged peperomia, is a plant species found growing in swamps in Florida, the West Indies, Central America, and South America. In Florida, is apparently rare, known for certain only from Collier County. Peperomia alata is a perennial herb, erect or reclining, spreading by rhizomes. The epithet "alata," i.e., "winged," refers to wings that run the length of the stems, although this is rather obscure on some specimens. Leaves are 3-veined, elliptic to lanceolate, with blades up to 13 cm (5.2 inches) long. Flowers are born in tight spikes up to 13 cm (5.2 inches) long.