The selection of images that I bring you this time, made me remember beautiful times while I was growing up with my parents and siblings in the small eastern city of Carúpano. In our garden, it was always present and although it was not very much to my liking, my dad loved to prepare it in salads, dressed in a very simple way, just vinegar, salt and oil. Anyway, I have always known it, in my homeland they call it Berro de Sapo and they attribute many healing properties to it, but we will talk about that later.

Cress of Toad is not the only name by which this plant is known, in a common way, Alumbre, Grass of the Toad, Silver Grass, Always Fresh, and Heart of Man, are other names attributed to it. On the other hand, at a scientific level, this herbaceous plant is known as Peperomia Pellucida. It belongs to the great family of the Piperaceae, which groups about twelve genera that in total group 3000 species. This species of the genus Peperomia is native to America and Tropical Africa, although at present it is significantly spread in all tropical areas around the world.

This annual herbaceous plant has roots, which develop at a shallow depth, characterized by an upright growth, achieving, its succulent and branched stem to reach heights between 15 and 45 cm. Its fleshy and shiny green leaves, approximately 1.5 to 3.5 cm. long and 1.5 to 3 cm. wide, grow alternately. They have the peculiar form of heart, reason why in some places it is known with the name of Heart of Man. Its inflorescence, we can appreciate them throughout the year in the form of a simple spike measuring between 2 and 5 cm from which emerge tiny flowers. On the other hand, its tiny fruits in the form of elliptical berries, at most reach a diameter of 0.6 millimeters.

As I mentioned, it is an edible plant and can be consumed both raw and cooked and curiously if we crush it, it gives off an aroma similar to that of mustard. In addition, its healing properties are well known in the field of herbal medicine, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic and antifungal effects. Its uses range from consuming its juice as an energizing drink, to making infusions and decoctions to treat arthritis, colds and urinary problems. In addition, it is recommended to treat acne, applying it as a facial rinse or crushing the plant and making poultices on the affected area. They even recommend including it in our diet in the form of salads, as it apparently helps to lower blood levels of bad cholesterol.

As you can see, this plant is not only beautiful, so it could give a lot of color to those damp and shady corners of our garden. In addition, it is very beneficial to our health for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Finally, I hope that this new installment has been to the liking of all my dear readers, especially my friend @adalger, since it is my participation in his contest this week. I invite you to participate, I leave you the Link Amazing Nature Contest - August 2021 - #04 for more information. Well, the time has come to say goodbye, I wish you many blessings in this week that has just begun and remember to take care of yourselves and your loved ones, putting into practice the biosecurity measures.

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