Other Piper
Related Pacific pepper plants include kava, used differently.
Use the botanical sourceStudy first
Kawakawa.
Piper excelsum
Also found as Pepper tree (NZ)
A New Zealand shrub with heart-shaped, often insect-holed leaves used in Māori rongoā and tea.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Traditional practice selects insect-chewed leaves; follow guidance from Māori knowledge holders.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 6,916
- People who recorded it
- 2,058
- Most records (southern hemisphere)
- Jan, Apr–May, Sep–Nov
- Records span
- 1970–2026
| January | 554 |
|---|---|
| February | 431 |
| March | 422 |
| April | 1389 |
| May | 543 |
| June | 361 |
| July | 441 |
| August | 522 |
| September | 587 |
| October | 628 |
| November | 560 |
| December | 476 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Shrub with jointed, swollen-noded stems.
- 02
Heart-shaped, glossy leaves, often with holes chewed by looper caterpillars.
- 03
Upright spikes of tiny flowers, later orange fruit on female plants.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Coastal and lowland forest of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Watch the plant stage
Leaves year-round.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Brew leaves as tea.
Care for the patch
Rongoā practice asks permission and takes leaves from the sunny side of the plant.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Piper excelsumBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Piper excelsumTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction