Kawakawa
Commonly known as Kawakawa, Piper excelsum is a shrub to small tree endemic to New Zealand. The leaves have a peppery fragrance and it was formerly known as Macropiper excelsum)
Description
With mid green heart shaped leaves and dark stems this a fleshy evergreen shrub, foliage is dense. This shrub grown not only as a garden plant but also for the aromatic foliage and fruit from the female plant.
It is a plant that grows well in warm coastal conditions, and as an understory plant the foliage is an attractive addition to the garden.
Over time Piper excelsum can reach around 5m in height, it is however easily pruned to around 2 metres. It is a plant related to Piper nigrum, the Pepper Plant.
How to Grow Piper excelsum – Care and Conditions
It naturally grows as an understory plant so is useful in the garden in dappled shade where the foliage looks good year round.
- Position
A warm protected frost free position is essential especially when plants are young.. Dappled shade is ideal. Once established it will tolerate some light frosts. - Soil
Best grown in a humus rich well drained soil
A moist soil is required, so mulching around the plant will be beneficial. - Fertiliser
A regular application of an organic general purpose slow release fertiliser in spring will help promote growth. - Pruning
Remove any dead or damaged wood as it appears. Light pruning to maintain a more compact shape can be carried out at any time however spring is the best time to prune. - Propagation
Easy from semi hardwood cuttings taken in summer, also possible from seed.
If you are growing this plant for the fruit and seeds you will need both a male and female plant.
Garden Uses exelsum
As this naturally an understory plant it works well in shaded positions in the garden border. Excellent as a background plant where the dense foliage looks good for much of the year.
Traditional Uses
- The leaves are said be have waved at funerals and other occasions.
- Also said to be used as a tea or infusion one or two leaves are crushed, lemon and honey, perhaps some ginger are added and then boiling water.
- The leaves have traditionally been used to relieve pain, help cure bruises and as a herbal infusion, however we look at this plant for its uses in the garden.