Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is a cherished native New Zealand shrub valued for its lush heart‑shaped foliage, shaded-forest resilience, and rich Māori heritage. This guide covers everything you need to know, including planting advice, care tips, harvesting wisdom, and how to harness its traditional healing properties. It is perfect for gardeners, herbal enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to NZ native flora.
This series of articles answer many of the frequently asked questions about growing Kawakawa plants.
Kawakawa does not do well in full sun. It prefers dappled sunlight or partial shade. It grows naturally in the understory of forests. These areas receive filtered sunlight through the canopy of taller trees. The large, heart-shaped leaves can be susceptible to sunburn and scorching if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Macropiper excelsum, also known as kawakawa, can grow up to 5 meters tall and 5 meters wide. However, it is more commonly found as a shrub, reaching a height of 2-3 meters. Kawakawa is a fast-growing plant, and can grow up to 1 meter per year.
Kawakawa seeds can take anywhere from 2-10 weeks to germinate. The germination time will vary depending on several factors, including the temperature, moisture, light conditions, and how fresh the seed is.
Here are some tips for improving the germination rate of kawakawa:
Picked and rinsed kawakawa leaves are easily dried by laying them on a sheet of paper as a thin layer and using the sun to dry them. Alternatively, you can use a dehumidifier to remove the moisture with a fan heater providing gently warming of the air. It takes about 6 kg of green leaves to make 1 kg of dried leaves. Therefore, there is a lot of water to remove, and this can take 3-4 days (depending on the volume). To avoid the leaves going mouldy during the drying process it is important to “fluff-up” the leaves with your hands every day. If they stick together, they will often not dry properly and can turn mouldy.
Aim to keep the drying temperature no warmer than 35 degrees Celsius as temperatures higher than this can start to cause loss of the beneficial properties. The leaves are dry when they are crisp and break up easily. They should then be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
Harvesting kawakawa is about picking larger leaves and not taking any more than half the leaves from the plant. Avoid taking young leaves or leaving stems entirely denuded of vegetation. We call this sustainable harvesting as the plant can regrow again and regenerate quickly. The Plant Company recommends taking a small amount of leaves from a lot of plants so it is difficult to see where you have harvested from.
Many native New Zealand plants have played significant roles in Māori culture and traditional practices. However, kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is perhaps one of the most well-known and versatile ones. This small evergreen shrub or tree is valued for its medicinal properties. Māori used kawakawa leaves for centuries to make teas, balms, and oils for treating various ailments.
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is an evergreen tree or small shrub that is native to New Zealand. It has some key characteristics:
Kawakawa makes a great addition to modern and tropical themed gardens where a plant for shade is required.
The word "kawa kawa" itself doesn't have a direct translation into English. It's a word from Te Reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand. However, there are a couple of ways to understand the meaning associated with kawakawa:
While there's no single English translation for "kawa kawa," understanding its use in Te Reo Māori provides a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance.
Kawakawa fruit are the small, berry-like fruit produced by the female kawakawa plant (Macropiper excelsum). They are oval-shaped and turn from green to orange or yellow when ripe. The fruit has a sweet taste and flavour that is like passionfruit.
The fruit ripens in summer. You can harvest them when they turn orange or yellow and slightly soft. If they're not quite ripe yet, you can pick them and let them finish ripening at room temperature for a few days. The fruit are not widely available but you can often find plants growing in the wild or in parks.
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum), also known as New Zealand pepper tree, is a small evergreen shrub or tree native to New Zealand. It's a versatile plant with historical significance to Māori people and is valued for its various medicinal properties. It is still used in traditional Māori medicine and is also gaining popularity as a natural remedy. Importantly, the leaves are used to make tea, oil, and balms for various purposes, including:
While kawakawa is generally considered safe for topical use and consumption in moderate amounts, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Kawakawa is found in New Zealand, specifically throughout the North Island and the upper parts of the South Island. It thrives in warmer climates and is often found in locations such as:
The best place to plant kawakawa is in a semi-shade to shade position with moist, well-drained soil. Kawakawa is native to New Zealand and is found in coastal and lowland forests. It is a relatively hardy plant, but it does not like to be exposed to full sun or strong winds.
Kawakawa can be planted in a variety of settings, including:
Kawakawa is also a popular plant for use in traditional Maori medicine, and is often planted near marae and other sacred sites.
The holes in kawakawa leaves are not a natural part of the plant's biology, but rather due to feeding from the kawakawa looper moth caterpillar (Cleora scriptaria). This caterpillar is a green with white and dark stripes that camouflages it on the underside of leaves. It feeds at night so can take some effort to find on plants during day.
Some believe that kawakawa leaves with holes might actually be the better choice when harvesting for tea or other uses. The theory is that the caterpillar goes for the tastier and more potent leaves. Whether this is true has not been concluded in the science community at this time.
Kawakawa plants have a variety of different health benefits as is also a viable food (in small doses). This series of articles explores how kawakawa plants can be used.
While technically you can nibble on green kawakawa berries, it is generally not recommended. The unripe berries have a bitter taste and are generally unpleasant to eat. Further, consuming too many unripe berries can cause an upset stomach.
The fruit from kawakawa plants, is known as tākawa, and is edible. It has a sweet flesh with a slight passionfruit flavour and seeds that have a peppery taste. The fruit is best eaten when it has a slight orange tinge. You can pick them when they are still green and allow them to ripen indoors. There are tiny white spears in the centre of the fruit that should be removed before eating. You can eat the fruit fresh, add them to salads, or use them to make jams, chutneys, or sauces.
Yes, you can eat kawakawa leaves raw. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have a peppery taste that can add a kick to your dishes. However, it is important to note that they can have a numbing effect on the mouth. This is because they contain a compound called piperine. Piperine is also found in black pepper and is responsible for its spicy taste.
Kawakawa balm is made reasonably easily. The key ingredients are Kawakawa leaves (fresh or dried), coconut oil (or olive oil), and beeswax. Often Shea Butter is included to add more moisture to the balm. Similarly, other optional additions include essential oils for scent, lavender for relaxation, and manuka for its antibacterial properties.
The steps to making the balm are:
Kawakawa oil is very easy to make. The key ingredients are Kawakawa leaves (fresh or dried) and coconut oil (or olive oil).
The steps to making the oil are:
Making kawakawa tea is easy!
You can refrigerate leftover kawakawa tea for up to 7 days. Similarly, for a stronger tea, you can let the leaves steep in the water for longer before straining.
Kawakawa balm is generally considered beneficial for sunburn due to a few of its properties:
For severe sunburns with blistering or significant pain, consult a healthcare professional.
There is limited scientific research specifically on the benefits of kawakawa berries. Some sources suggest kawakawa berries as being an aphrodisiac. However, the benefits of the foliage are far better documented and some of these may translate across to the berries.
Kawakawa is a New Zealand native plant that has been used in traditional Māori medicine for centuries. It has many known health benefits:
It is important to note that most of the research on kawakawa has been done in traditional Māori medicine. There is limited scientific evidence to support all of its claimed health benefits. However, kawakawa is generally considered to be safe for most people when used in moderation.
Kawakawa berries offer a unique taste experience that combines sweetness with a bit of a kick. It is most often described as having a passionfruit taste. The seeds inside the berry have a peppery flavour. Kawakawa berries can have a mild numbing effect, similar to that of the leaves when they are consumed.
Kawakawa is a native New Zealand plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Māori medicine. It has a wide range of potential health benefits, including:
In addition to these potential health benefits, kawakawa is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Here are some specific examples of how kawakawa can be used to support health and well-being:
Kawakawa is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be taken internally as a tea, tincture, or capsule. It can also be applied topically as a cream, ointment, or compress.
It is important to note that kawakawa is not without its potential side effects. It can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it. Kawakawa can also cause skin irritation in some people.
All parts of the kawakawa plant are edible, including the leaves, berries, bark, and roots.
Kawakawa is a nutritious plant that is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also said to have medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Here are some tips for eating kawakawa:
Kawakawa is a versatile and delicious plant that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
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