Wild Pepper

Piper sarmentosum, commonly known as Wild Betel Leaf, Kaduk, Cha Plu, or La Lot, is a creeping, perennial herbaceous plant in the Piperaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and southern China. It is widely used in traditional medicine, cooking, and as a ground cover plant.
Botanical Characteristics:
Growth Habit: A low-growing, spreading plant with trailing stems that root at nodes.
Leaves: Shiny, heart-shaped, deep green, and aromatic when crushed.
Flowers: Small, white-green spikes emerging from the leaf axils.
Fruits: Tiny, round, and clustered, rarely seen in cultivated plants.
Growing Conditions:
Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with high humidity.
Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5).
Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun with sufficient moisture.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged.
Propagation: Propagated through stem cuttings or root division.
Uses & Benefits:
1. Culinary Uses:
Commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam).
In Thailand, used in Miang Kham, a traditional appetizer with herbs, nuts, and dried shrimp wrapped in the leaf.
In Vietnam, used to wrap beef in the famous dish Bò lá lốt.
2. Medicinal Uses:
Traditionally used for cough, digestion issues, and inflammation.
Contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Used in herbal medicine for blood circulation and pain relief.
3. Other Uses:
Grown as a ground cover due to its spreading habit.
Sometimes used in traditional herbal remedies for snake bites and wounds.