About Macropiper excelsum (G.Forst.) Miq.
Kawakawa, with the scientific name Macropiper excelsum (G.Forst.) Miq., is distributed throughout the North Island of New Zealand. In the South Island, it occurs as far south as Ōkārito (43.20 °S) on the West Coast and Banks Peninsula (43.5 °S) on the east coast. This tree grows up to 6 metres (20 feet) tall. Its leaves are frequently covered in holes made by caterpillars of the kawakawa looper moth, Cleora scriptaria. Images that show the variety majus of this species display leaves that are larger and glossier than the type of Macropiper excelsum. Kawakawa was traditionally used as a medicinal plant by the Māori people. An infusion prepared from its leaves or roots was used, or the leaves were chewed, to soothe toothache, and wounds were commonly bound with kawakawa leaves. The plant produces sweet, edible yellow berries that are most often found on female trees in summer; these berries were eaten as a diuretic. In traditional practice, leaves with holes left by caterpillars were considered the most effective for use. In Māori culture, hosts at a marae wave kawakawa leaves to welcome guests. Kawakawa is also associated with death; at a tangi (Māori funeral gathering), both hosts and guests may wear head wreaths made of kawakawa as a symbol of mourning. Early European settlers in New Zealand used kawakawa to make teas and experimented with it as a flavoring for beer. Today, it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Kawakawa essential oil contains myristicin, which acts as a deliriant when consumed in high concentrations.
