There are ball shaped ethereal cells in the parenchyma tissue. The genus Peperomia is sometimes separated as the family Peperomiaceae. No known fossil record. Inflorescence as a dense, fleshy spike. Perianth is absent.
Seed is small with little endosperm.
Placentation is basal. Habit is as herbs, shrubs, trees, vines or epiphytes. Leaves simple and alternate or opposite or whorled. Stipules are adnate to the petiole or lacking.