Piper aduncum L., Sp. Pl. 1 (1753)
Latin for 'curved or hooked'.

Synonyms
Artanthe adunca (L.) Miq., Artanthe celtidifolia (Kunth) Miq., Piper aduncifolium Trel., Piper aduncum var. laevifolium C.DC., Piper anguillaespicum Trel., Piper celtidifolium Kunth, Piper disparispicum Trel., Piper elongatum Vahl var. laevifolium (C.DC.) Trel., Piper fatoanum C.DC., Piper flavescens (C.DC.) Trel., Piper hebecarpum C.DC., Piper intersitum Trel., Piper intersitum var. porcecitense Trel., Piper martinicense C.DC., Piper martinicense var. genuinum Stehle, Piper martinicense var. montis-pilati C.DC., Piper multinervium var. amplum Trel., Piper multinervium var. kantelolense Trel., Piper multinervium M.Martens & Galeotti, Piper multinervium var. skutchii Trel., Piper oblanceolatum. var. fragilicaule Trel., Piper pseudovelutinum var. flavescens C.DC., Piper stehleorum Trel., Piper submolle Trel., Piper subrectinerve C.DC., Steffensia adunca (L.) Kunth, Steffensia celtidifolia (Kunth) Kunth

Description
Shrub up to 6 m tall and 7 cm dbh. Stipules ca. 23 mm long, leaving circular scar around the twigs. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, hairy, leaf base asymmetrical. Flowers ca. 1 mm diameter, green-yellowish, placed in catkin like, elongate inflorescences. Fruits ca. 1 mm diameter, yellow-blackish, drupes.

Ecology
Originally from the Neotropics, but escaped in Borneo. Usually in severely disturbed habitats and along roads.

Uses
Wood can be used for basic construction, fuel, stakes and fences. Has ornamental value and the fruit is used to season food. Essential oils from this species have antibacterial properties and may also be used as an insecticide and a molluscicide. Tea made from the leaves and roots is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, ulcers, and can also be used for the control of bleeding

Distribution
Originally Neotropical, but currently also in tropical Asia due to its invasive capacity. In Borneo collected in East-Kalimantan.

Local names in Borneo
Akar gelan, Kayu sirih.