New native and introduced species record of Piper (Piperaceae) in Lao PDR

Eight native species of Piper namely P. chantaranothaii Suwanph. & D. A. Simpson, P. doiphukaense Suwanph. & Chantar., P. grif¿ thii C. DC., P. kurzii Ridl., P. laetispicum C. DC., P. lonchites Roem. & Schult., P. peepuloides Roxb. and P. suipigua Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don and also an introduced species, P. retrofractum Vahl are newly recorded and reported in Laos, respectively. P. chantaranothaii and P. doiphukaense was previously reported as endemic to Thailand. The description, distribution, habitat, ecology and photographs are provided.