Peperomia hispidula

Hispid Peperomia, Hairy Peperomia

A miniature, low-spreading Peperomia from wet tropical forests stretching from Mexico through southern South America. Fine hairs on its tiny round leaves set it apart from its relatives — hispidula is Latin for 'slightly bristly'. Unlike the thick-leaved rosette Peperomias, this species has thin, membranous foliage and a sprawling, ground-hugging habit. It works well as a foreground carpet or background-wall plant in closed terrariums and bioactive vivariums. Its wide altitudinal range (400–3,400 m) suggests good adaptability within tropical conditions.