About Piper aduncum L.
Commonly called matico, Piper aduncum L. is a tropical evergreen shrubby tree that reaches 6 to 7 meters (20 to 23 ft) in height. It has lance-shaped leaves 12 to 20 centimeters (4 1/2 to 8 inches) long, and its fruit is a small drupe that contains black seeds. This species is native to Southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and most of tropical South America. It is cultivated in tropical Asia, Polynesia, and Melanesia, and can also be found growing in Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Matico is considered an invasive weed in some countries. In parts of New Guinea where matico grows as an invasive, it is well known for drying out local soil; however, local residents still use its wood for a variety of purposes including fuel and fence posts. In traditional medicine, many native Amazonian tribes use matico leaves as an antiseptic. In Peru, it has been used to stop hemorrhages and treat ulcers. In European traditional practice, it was used to treat diseases of the genitals and urinary organs, the same types of conditions cubeb was often prescribed for.
