The leaves of Piper Matico and a number of other Matico species of the genus Piperaceae have been used in medicine for a long time. The trees grow wild in many parts of South America, particularly in Brazil and Peru. Distillation, if it takes place at all, is not performed in the countries of origin. Brazil has no commercial production of Matico Oil and the matico leaves collected in South America come from a number of species of matico trees, often without designation. The almost universal feature of the odor of matico leaves, regardless of their origin, is a strong, camphoraceous, pepper like or minty odor with a pronounced woody backnote. The oil when it was available, never attained any significant importance in perfumery or flavor work. The Matico Oils are usually dark green, olive green, dark amber or brownish somewhat viscous liquids. The oils turn darker on ageing or upon exposure to daylight, air or iron.