DNA barcoding-assisted confirmation of the botanical identity of Woody Pepper (Piper pendulispicum C. DC., Piperaceae): an addition to the Indian Flora

Woody pepper is a perennial liana of the botanical family Piperaceae distributed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. This species is unique as its stem segments are used as a spice. However, the botanical identity of the species has remained debatable. Hence, this study was performed to resolve the taxonomical confusion. The DNA barcoding approach was followed; two plastid barcode markers, namely, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) gene and psbA-trnH spacer region recommended by the Consortium for the Barcode of Life were used. The findings indicated that the correct botanical identity of woody pepper is Piper pendulispicum. Literature survey of floristic records revealed that it has so far not been reported in India. Therefore, this wet tropical biome species is documented here as an addition to the flora of India. These results are expected to aid in the conservation of this unique genetic resource present in these remotely located islands of India and promote its cultivation.