Piperaceae C. Agardh, nom. 11 genera and probably over 2100 species. See the FNA family treatment . The Piperaceae may be recognized from its relatives by the lack of perianth parts and a single basal ovule even in a compound ovary. The family is divided into two subfamilies, Piperoideae Arn.
Few families rival Piperaceae for difficulties at the species level.
The highly reduced flowers provide few characteristics for ready identification, yet the diversity of growth form and vegetative features is remarkable. Few people disagree that this is one family in need of a thorough review. The family is oft noted for its tendency toward scattered vascular bundles akin to those of the monocotyledonous angiosperms. Beside the source of black pepper, many other species of Piper are used commercially and some can cause allergies. Similiar conditions may occur in new consummers of the drink who drink only a small amount.