Piper nigrum is a woody vine that is originally native to southwestern India. This area is known as the Malabar Coast and is comprised of lush tropical evergreen forests that are very humid and mountainous. Black pepper is a very hardy perennial and will thrive anywhere these conditions can be found. Other medicinally important organisms who cohabitate in these areas are the sweet orange,stone breaker, noni fruit, and chinese hibiscus.

     Due to P. nigrum's longstanding status as an international staple and lucrative cash crop, the plant has been transported and cultivated in many countries throughout the history of human trade. Black pepper is now commonly found in nearly thirty countries containing humid, tropical climates. Black pepper is also a popular agricultural choice of intercrop to increase the yield of main crops during the off seasons.

     For more information about the nutritional requirements and diet of black pepper, click here >>

Design: Adam Haggerty - UW La Crosse - Last modified 4/16/2011