How to identify Hoja Santa (Piper auritum)

How to identify Hoja Santa (Piper auritum)

Hoja Santa, also known as Vera cruz pepper, Root beer plant, Tlanepa, Hierba santa

Hoja Santa is an evergreen herbaceous shrub that can reach over 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall and spread extensively via rhizomes. It features vertical, rough textured stems and aromatic, heart-shaped, velvety leaves that can grow over 12 inches (30 cm) long. During mid to late summer through fall, it grows pencil-thin 6-inch (15 cm) long spikes with tiny flowers that transition from upright to a graceful droop. The plant has a distinct aromatic profile and thrives in both sun and shade, tolerating light frost.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Hoja Santa

Heart-shaped velvety leaves, exceeding 12 inches (30 cm) in length.

Pencil-thin flower spikes, 6 inches (15 cm) long, transitioning from upright to drooping.

Aromatic profile noticeable in leaves and overall plant, thriving in sun and shade.

Rough textured vertical stems, spreading extensively via rhizomes.

Tolerates light frost, evergreen herbaceous shrub reaching over 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall.

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Key Facts About Hoja Santa

Attributes of Hoja Santa

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

61 cm to 3.5 m

Spread

60 cm to 3.5 m

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Hoja Santa

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pepper plants, birthworts, and allies

Family

Pepper

Genus

Pepper plants

Species

Hoja Santa (Piper auritum)

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Distribution Map of Hoja Santa

Hoja Santa is native to Central America and northern South America, where it is widely distributed. It has also been introduced to various islands in the Caribbean and some countries in the Pacific, where its presence is established. While hoja Santa is cultivated, in certain areas where it has been introduced, it is sometimes thought to be invasive, although the extent of its impact on local ecosystems may vary. The cultivation and naturalized status of hoja Santa reflect a significant geographical spread across multiple major regions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Hoja Santa How to Grow and Care for Hoja Santa