What Is Kawakawa (Piper excelsum)?
Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) grows across New Zealand’s forests. It features heart-shaped leaves often punctuated by natural holes. Māori have long honoured this plant in traditional practices, and today botanical skincare draws on its cultural resonance.
Habitat and Distribution
Kawakawa thrives in damp, shaded forest edges and riparian zones. It also tolerates mild coastal winds and salt spray, though it remains sensitive to heavy frost. Therefore, gardeners plant it in sheltered spots with well-drained soil. Ethical foragers select areas that allow natural regeneration.
Leaf Characteristics and Insect Interaction
The characteristic holes in kawakawa leaves result from native insect feeding, especially the kawakawa looper moth caterpillar. These natural perforations do not signal disease. Instead, they reflect ecological relationships and indicate mature foliage. Consequently, traditional knowledge often values such leaves for infusion.
Traditional Māori Uses
In rongoā practice, leaves were crushed to infuse into oils or warm water for topical preparations. Practitioners also included leaves in ceremonial contexts. Such uses arose from understanding the plant’s role in the ecosystem. Moreover, harvest rituals respected the environment by taking only what allowed regrowth.
Botanical Compounds and Sensory Qualities
Studies identify compounds like myristicin, elemicin, diayangambin, lignans, and amides in kawakawa. While research explores these constituents, Eckco features the plant in skincare without making therapeutic claims. Instead, we highlight its subtle, earthy aroma and how it pairs with other botanical oils.
Sustainable Sourcing Practices
At Eckco, we grow and harvest our own private supply of kawakawa. The plants are left to grow wild without intervention, allowing them to thrive in their natural rhythms. We follow traditional harvesting practices with care and respect, taking only what we need, ensuring the plant regenerates. This approach supports forest biodiversity and honours cultural protocols. Then we infuse leaves into carrier oils like grapeseed for botanical blends.
Cultural Significance and Modern Appreciation
This native NZ plant holds treasured status in many iwi traditions. It appears in waiata and carving motifs. Today, people appreciate its sensory profile when crushed, the leaves emit a warm, peppery scent. At Eckco, we respect cultural roots by featuring kawakawa transparently in products like The Everyday Botanical Balm and U.F.O Face Oil.
Cultivating Kawakawa at Home
You can grow kawakawa from seed or cuttings in semi-shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. In frost-prone regions, provide shelter or use containers moved indoors when cold arrives. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and healthy foliage. Cultivating kawakawa at home fosters connection with native flora and supports local ecology.
Integrating Kawakawa into Skincare Routines
Use kawakawa-infused oil as part of a simple routine: first cleanse gently, then apply a few drops of oil infused with the plant and finally seal with a balm containing its infusion. This method locks in moisture without heaviness. Additionally, the subtle aroma enriches the sensory experience and aligns with minimalist skincare principles.
Learn more about kawakawa uses in our Journal, with botanical insights and skincare guides.