Piperaceae Giseke
Fls minute, perfect or unisexual, in bracted spikes. Per. 0; stamens us. 2-6, hypog.; anthers 2-celled. Ovary superior, 1-celled; ovule 1. basal; stigmas 1-5. Fr. a small drupe; seeds with minute embryo and mealy perisperm. Herbs or shrubs, sts scandent; vascular bundles scattered. Lvs us. alt., entire; stipules 0 or adnate to petiole. About 12 genera, mainly tropical to subtropical.
