Botanical Name:
Macropiper excelsum
Common Name:
Kawa kawa, pepper tree
Family:
Piperaceae
Description:
A New Zealand evergreen shrub or tree.
It has shiny green leathery leaves 5-10cm long and 6-12cm wide, that usually have many holes due to chewing insects.
The subspecies peltatum is less prone to insect attacks.
An obvious feature is the zig-zagging branches, that are often swollen at the joints.
Flowers in spring and are 2.5 to 7.5cm long spikes.
Tolerates coastal conditions, prefers a moist position but will grow elsewhere.
Has traditional maori rongoa uses.
H: 2-6m tall
Uses:
Filler, Foliage plant, medicinal purposes.
Propagation:
by seed or from cuttings.
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