The family Piperaceae is a group of flowering plants that includes around 1,000 species, primarily found in tropical regions. This family is best known for its aromatic plants, such as black pepper (Piper nigrum), which is widely used as a spice. Members of the Piperaceae family typically have heart-shaped leaves and small, clustered flowers. Plants in the Piperaceae family often contain essential oils and other compounds that contribute to their distinctive flavors and scents. Besides black pepper, other notable members include kava (Piper methysticum), used for its calming effects, and betel (Piper betle), which is chewed in many cultures for its stimulating properties.