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. Because of this, gardeners often 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. Some traditional knowledge values leaves with these markings 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. These uses reflect a deep, long-standing understanding of the plant’s role in the ecosystem, and harvest practices were shaped around respecting the environment and allowing regrowth.
Botanical Compounds and Sensory Qualities
Studies identify compounds like myristicin, elemicin, diayangambin, lignans, and amides in Kawakawa. While research continues to explore 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.
Our Approach to Sourcing
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’re mindful when harvesting, taking only what we need and being careful not to disturb the plant’s ability to keep growing. We then infuse the leaves into carrier oils like grapeseed for our 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 too, when crushed, the leaves release a warm, peppery scent. We aim to feature Kawakawa transparently and with respect in products like Kawakawa Barrier Balm and Ultimate Face Oil.
Integrating Kawakawa into Skincare Routines
Try using Kawakawa-infused oil as part of a simple routine: cleanse gently, apply a few drops of oil infused with the plant, then finish with a balm containing its infusion. This gives a light, non-heavy finish. The subtle aroma adds to the overall experience and fits naturally with a minimalist approach to skincare.
Learn more about Kawakawa in our Journal, with botanical insights and skincare guides.