‘Awa (Piper methysticum)

Photo courtesy of Forest and Kim Starr

Hawaiian name: ‘Awa (kava)
Botanical name: Piper methysticum
Family: Piperaceae (Pepper Family)
Status: Polynesian-introduced
Where found: Cultivated, but growing wild on Kauaʻi, Oahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi  (K/ O/ Mo/ M/H; probably also on Ni and L)
Water/Light: Moist, with full to part shade
Elevation range: 150 to 1,500 feet
Height: 4 to 12 feet

`Awa was one of the plants brought by the earliest Polynesian voyagers arriving in Hawai`i. The roots of mature ‘awa plants are the source of a therapeutic relaxant that continues to be utilized medicinally, ceremonially and recreationally in Hawai‘i. In lāʻau lapaʻau (Hawaiian medicine); the roots, leaves, stems and bark can be used to ease weary muscles, chills, colds, headaches, asthma and diabetes. ‘Awa was widely planted in wet forests but is now rare due to over-harvesting. Fifteen varieties once existed.