Piperaceae, Piper guineense, West African Pepper

This Piper species is said to be native to West Africa, where it is widely used as a spice/condiment/flavoring. I found it growing in the understory of Kakamega forest in western Kenya. There, I was told, the crushed roots are made into a tea, used to treat soar throat, but I heard no mention of its being used as a culinary spice.