Hoja santa

Piper auritum is an aromatic culinary herb in the pepper family Piperaceae, which grows in tropical Central America. Common names include hoja santa , yerba santa, hierba santa, Mexican pepperleaf, acuyo, tlanepa, anisillo, root beer plant, Vera Cruz pepper and sacred pepper. It is a perennial herbaceous plant up to nineteen feet (six meters) in height with heart-shaped velvety leaves. The leaves can reach up to 30 centimeters (12 in) or more in size. The flowers are in simple white spikes containing myriads of tiny florets which rise above the foliage like candles. The entire plant is said to have the fragrance of Sassafras. The complex flavor is not so easily described; it has been compared to eucalyptus, licorice, sassafras, anise, nutmeg, mint, tarragon, and black pepper. The flavor is stronger in the young stems and veins.

Source: Wikipedia