Kawa Kawa, native to New Zealand, holds a cherished place in its ecosystem and cultural heritage. It is deeply interwoven with Māori traditions, valued for generations.
Understanding Kawa Kawa
Kawa Kawa, scientifically known as Macropiper excelsum or Piper excelsum, belongs to the Piperaceae family, which also includes black pepper. This evergreen shrub or small tree is readily identifiable by its prominent, heart-shaped leaves, often dark green and glossy with distinctive veins. The plant features knobbly, jointed stems and produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in summer, which later develop into clusters of orange-red berries.
Kawa Kawa thrives in the shaded understory of coastal and lowland forests throughout New Zealand, particularly across the North Island and the upper South Island. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and often grows beneath the canopy of larger trees. The leaves frequently exhibit small holes, a natural result of feeding by the kawakawa looper moth caterpillar, which exclusively dines on this plant.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
Kawa Kawa has profound historical and cultural significance, particularly within Māori tradition (rongoā Māori). It is a revered medicinal plant, used for centuries to treat various ailments. Its leaves, bark, fruit, and roots all possess medicinal properties.
Traditionally, Māori healers prepared the leaves as teas, infusions, oils, balms, and poultices. These preparations were applied for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns, boils, and insect bites due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. Internally, Kawa Kawa was consumed to address digestive issues like stomach ailments, indigestion, bloating, and cramps. It was also used to support respiratory health, alleviate toothaches, and treat rheumatism and joint pain. The plant’s stimulating and rejuvenating qualities made it a general tonic.
Growing Kawa Kawa
Cultivating Kawa Kawa requires attention to its preferred growing conditions, mimicking its natural forest habitat. This plant thrives in dappled sunlight to partial or full shade, making it an excellent choice for understory planting in gardens. It prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Kawa Kawa is sensitive to frost and benefits from sheltered locations, particularly in colder regions. It can be propagated from fresh seeds, which germinate readily in warmer temperatures, or from semi-hardwood cuttings. Regular watering helps maintain the necessary soil moisture, though established plants can tolerate short periods of drought.
Important Distinction: Kawa Kawa vs. Kava
Despite their similar names, Kawa Kawa (Piper excelsum or Macropiper excelsum) and Kava (Piper methysticum) are distinct plants with different properties and origins. Both belong to the Piperaceae family, contributing to the naming confusion. Kawa Kawa is native to New Zealand, while Kava originates from the Pacific Islands.
Kava is well-known for its psychoactive effects, attributed to compounds called kavalactones, which act as central nervous system depressants. Kawa Kawa, however, does not contain these psychoactive compounds and is not associated with sedative or intoxicating properties. Understanding this distinction is important for proper identification and use.
Safety Considerations
While Kawa Kawa has a long history of traditional use, general safety precautions apply when using any plant-based remedy. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating Kawa Kawa into a health regimen, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications. As with any botanical, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions are possible. Responsible sourcing and proper identification of the plant are also important to ensure safety.