Piper excelsum

Fleshy evergreen shrub with jointed green stems growing up to 6m tall and 1m wide.

Glossy green, heart-shaped leaves. Narrow, green flower spikes seen on plants winter to spring. Orange fruit then develop throughout the year. Kawakawa has medicinal benefits and is used widely in Rongoā Maori.

Prefers partial shade with free-draining moist soil. Once established it will tolerate considerable drought. Kawakawa is cold sensitive.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows plants to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Young plants may require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and raising beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure.

Mulching annually helps suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose but keep deep mulching material away from the main stems. They benefit from a dressing (50g/m2) of general purpose fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins this will encourage more vigorous healthy growth. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil taking care not to damage surface roots.

Fruit provides a food source for birds.

Relatively pest and disease-free, but the leaves can occasionally be eaten by caterpillars.

Native Identification Trail