Piper amplum, commonly known as Matico, Pepper Tree, or Santa Maria Tree, is a shrub or small tree native to the understory of tropical rainforests and occasionally in more open secondary forests in Central America and Northern South America. It typically grows to a height of 60 feet (18 meters) and a width of 20 feet (6 meters), with a dense, bushy habit. The plant features heart-shaped leaves and green or white flowers that are small and inconspicuous, often blooming throughout the year. While the flowers are not showy, they are followed by small, peppercorn-like fruits that are of interest.

Matico is valued for its medicinal properties, as its leaves are used traditionally to stop bleeding and treat wounds. In cultivation, it is sometimes used for its attractive foliage and as a privacy screen or hedge in tropical and subtropical gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium to fast-draining soils such as clay, loam, or sandy types. Regular watering is needed to keep the plant healthy, but it is relatively low maintenance once established. Gardeners should be aware that it may require pruning to maintain the desired shape and size.CC BY-SA 4.0