Description
Piper excelsum (formerly Macropiper excelsum)
Well known native shrub or small tree to 6m, with distinctive aromatic fleshy heart-shaped leaves. Kawakawa is a member of the Piperaceae family, which includes black pepper (Piper nigrum). Piperaceae species are widely used in traditional medicinal and culinary practices around the world, and Kawakawa is one of the most important rongoā Māori plants. The fruit, bark and leaves of the kawakawa all have medicinal properties. The leaves were chewed or made into an infusion to treat stomach ailments and bladder problems, the fruits were eaten as a diuretic, and the leaves chewed for toothache. The leaves and bark can made into an infusion used for the treatment of skin problems such as eczema, and a balm can be used to heal cuts, boils, bruises, rheumatism, and nettle stings.
Recent research has found over 60 active compounds, including pellitorine, which has a numbing effect on the body. Kawakawa also has stimulating and rejuvenating properties which make it a good tonic when infused and taken as a tea.
Kawakawa is dioecious, meaning plants are either male or female. Females produce orange fruits in summer which are edible. As our plants are seed grown they are unsexed.
Kawakawa prefers a moist rich & free-draining soil in a semi-shade to shade position, and needs good frost protection from natural canopy or frost cloth.
Certified organic plant.
