Five endemic Peperomia (Piperaceae) novelties from Veracruz, Mexico

Five new species of Peperomia (Piperaceae), endemic to the state of Veracruz, Mexico, are described, illustrated, compared with morphologically close taxa and assigned to their respective subgenus. Peperomia castilloi Vergara-Rodriguez & Jimeno-Sevilla, P. nopalana G.Mathieu, P. trichobracteata G.Mathieu & T.Kromer and R xalana G.Mathieu are four somewhat similar species that occur at lower elevations in tropical humid forests. Peperomia zongolicana Jimeno-Sevilla & Vergara-Rodrigucz occurs in tropical humid forests at mid-range elevations and is very distinct by the shape of its inflorescences. An assessment of their conservation status, considering IUCN Red List categories and criteria, revealed that they all belong to a threatened category, mainly due to the continuous loss and fragmentation of their natural habitats.