Peperomia polycephala is a species of terrestrial or epiphytic herb in the genus Peperomia that is native to Peru. It grows on wet tropical biomes. Its conservation status is Threatened.
The type specimen were collected at Aina, Peru at an altitude of 700-1000 meters above sea level.
Peperomia polycephala is a small, glabrous, stemless herb. The leaves arise from the apex of a thick, compactly branched rhizome. They are orbicular, peltate toward the center, measuring 2âÂÂ4 cm wide, and are thin when dry. The petiole is 5 cm long or more. The spikes are filiform, 90âÂÂ100 mm long, with a very slender peduncle nearly equaling the petiole. The berries are ellipsoid-ovoid with a slender basal projection supporting the style, and have an apical stigma.
It was described in 1936 by William Trelease in ', from specimens collected by Ellsworth Paine Killip & Albert Charles Smith.
The epithet is derived from the Greek poly and kephalÃÂ, meaning "many-headed," referring to the numerous flower spikes emerging from the compact, many-branched rhizome apex.
It is native to Peru. It grows as a terrestrial or epiphytic herb. It grows on wet tropical biomes.
This species is assessed as Threatened, in a preliminary report.