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NZ Plants
Piper melchior - Three Kings kawakawa
Pepper family: Piperaceae
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Branch
L Jensen
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Early branching
L Jensen
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Stipule
L Jensen
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Leaf, upper Leaf surface
L Jensen
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Leaf, lower Leaf surface
L Jensen
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Flowering spike
L Jensen
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Male Flower arrangement, unopened anthers
L Jensen
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Male Flower arrangement, sectional view
L Jensen
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Male Flower arrangement, open anthers
L Jensen
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Female Flower arrangement
L Jensen
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Fruit
J Braggins
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Piper melchior is a many branched shrub easily distinguished from P. excelsum by its large thick leaves with pronounced leaf veining. The veins are recessed producing a three-dimensional or sculptured (bullate) leaf surface. Tiny unisexual flowers are compactly arranged on short spikes; male and female flowers are found on separate plants (dioecious). Formerly known as Macropiper melchior.
An endemic species found on the Three Kings Islands.
Vegetative characteristics |
Reproductive characteristics |
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Plant form: shrub up to 2 m |
Arrangement of parts: symmetric |
Flower size: 2-3 mm diam |
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Leaf form: undivided, circular |
Sepals: 0 |
Leaf size: 60-150 mm |
Petals: 0 |
Leaf arrangement: singly along stem |
Sexuality: unisexual |
Leaf attachment: sheathing; stipules |
Stamens:2-3 |
Leaf margin: smooth |
Ovary: above |
Leaf surface: hairless |
Fruit: fleshy |