kawakawa

Piper excelsum subsp. excelsum | kawakawa, pepper tree

 

With its unique heart-shaped leaves and bright orange berries that attract birds, kawakawa is a special native shrub or small tree, commonly found in shady understories. This significant rongoā plant is prized for the medicinal properties in its leaves, fruit, and bark, historically treating ailments from stomach issues to toothaches. Modern research reveals over 60 active compounds, including numbing pellitorine, and its tea is valued for stimulating and rejuvenating qualities. It prefers semi to full shade and moist, rich, free-draining soil, benefiting from frost protection when young.