We present an overview of the diversity, distribution, and conservation status of all 60 species of the genus Peperomia (''radiator plants,'' Piperaceae), which are currently known from the state of Veracruz in Mexico, including a taxonomically updated reference list that includes information about life form, overall distribution, endemism, and occurrence in Mexican states and municipalities of Veracruz. Specifically, for this latter state, we provide information on elevational range, habitat, and distinguishing characters useful for identification or uses. Moreover, we realize an assessment of conservation status considering International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List categories and criteria at regional level. About 45% of Peperomia species from Veracruz belong to a threatened category, mainly because of the continued loss and fragmentation of natural habitats.

The preparation of a taxonomic treatment of the genus Peperomia (Piperaceae) for the ‘Flora of Veracruz’, revealed that three species remained without being described. This finding is a result of the review and study of botanical collections in several Mexican and foreign herbaria, as well as of field work in order to collect living and fertile material, which allowed us to describe and illustrate the species as new to science. Two of these, P. chazaroi and P. vazquezii, appear to be endemic to Veracruz, whereas P. parastriata was also found in the neighboring states Chiapas and Oaxaca. The treatment includes assessments of conservation status considering IUCN Red List criteria.

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-Rodríguez & Jimeno-Sevilla, P. nopalana G.Mathieu, P. trichobracteata G.Mathieu & T.Krömer and P. xalana G.Mathieu are four somewhat similar species that occur at lower elevations in tropical humid forests. Peperomia zongolicana Jimeno-Sevilla & Vergara-Rodríguez 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.