Botanical name:

Macropiper excelsum

Common name(s):

Kawakawa, Pepper Tree

About:

Kawakawa is a unique coastal shrub that is known for its aromatic, peppery taste, which adds a distinctive flavour to various dishes. The leaves of this shrub are heart-shaped, often showing signs of insect holes, and they exhibit a vibrant range of colours from dark green to a lighter yellow-green, particularly in more open and sunny situations. This plant features remarkable dark brown, zigzagging branches that are notably swollen at the nodes, giving it a striking appearance. Additionally, the yellow to orange-coloured fruit produced by kawakawa serves as an important food source for native birds during the months of January and February, contributing to the local ecosystem. It is also frost tender, which means it thrives best in milder climates, and is an excellent choice for regenerating coastal sites that require restoration.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland (extending up 500 m in warmer parts of the country). Usually an important understory species in coastal forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Salt, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands. Common from te Paki south to about Okarito, North Canterbury and Banks Peninsula

Height: 6m

Flowering: August - November  with no discernible flower/s

Fruiting:

Throughout the year with a Yellow/orange colour fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Forests, Pioneer Plantings & Medicinal

How to grow:

Easily grown from semi-hardwood cuttings and fresh seed. An attractive small tree that does best in dappled light, within a free draining but permanently moist soil. Very shade tolerant. Cold sensitive and will not tolerate frost.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though