Biology and cultivation of black pepper, the king of spices

Abstract

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) (Family: Piperaceae) is a perennial climbing vine grown for its berries, extensively used as spice and in medicine, often referred to as 'King of Spices' or 'Black Gold'. Black pepper has immensely influenced the geopolitical history ofthe world as it was a much sought after commodity since very ancient days. An essential condiment in the western and eastern cuisines as food additive and preservative, black pepper was highly priced and frequently used to pay rent, tax and even dowry. Black pepper has been an integral part ofthe traditional medicines of the orient also.