The binomial Pothomorphe umbellata is more widely known 
as the name of this plant. The use of the generic epithet 
Lepianthes has been recently discussed by Howard (Howard, R. 
A.: Journ. Arn. Arb. 54 (1973) 380 ff.). 
Peperomia glabella (Sw.) A. Dietrich var. melanostigma 
Dahlstedt in Kgl. Sv. Vet. Akad. Handl. 33, pt. 2 (1900) 122. 
COLOMBIA: Comisaria del Putumayo, Mocoa and vicinity. December 3-7, 
1942. R. E. Schultes et C. E. Smith 2959. 
This herb is a supposed remedy for conjunctivitis when applied 
in the form of a decoction (Schultes: Rhodora 77 (1975) 165). It is 
widely used in the region of Mocoa, where this eye infection is 
often epidemic. The plant is locally known as tre-gwen’ and 
gwinan in the Ingano-language and flor de mal in Spanish. 
Peperomia macrostachya (Vahi.) Dietrich var. nematostachya 
(Link.) Trealease et Yuncker, Piperac. N. S. Am. 2 (1950) 661. 
CoLoMBIA: Comisaria del Vaupés, Rio Kananari, Cerro Isibukuri. “Epi- 
phyte.” March 8, 1951. R. E. Schultes et I. Cabrera 13260.— Rio Vaupés, Mitu 
and vicinity. R. E. Schultes, R. F. Raffauf et D. Soejarto 24178. 
The leaves of this climbing epiphyte are boiled, and the 
resulting tea is taken by elderly members of the Taiwano tribe to 
relieve difficulty in urinating. It is also said to be an effective 
febrifuge. 
A Dragendorff spot test for alkaloids (Schultes, Raffauf et 
Soejarto 24178) was negative. 
Peperomia serpens (Sw.) Loudon, Hort. Brit. (1830) 13. 
CoLomsiA: Comisaria del Putumayo, Rio Sucumbios, Santa Rosa. April 7-8, 
1942. R. E. Schultes 3589. 
The aromatic leaves and stems of this shrub are locally 
employed crushed and applied as a poultice to relieve the irritant 
and painful sting of the large conga ant (Dinoponera grandis). 
The Kofan Indians call the plant o0-nov-se ‘-he ’-pa. 
Piper Hostmannianum (Miq.) C. DeCandolle in DeCandolle, 
Prodr. 16, pt. 1 (1869) 287. 
