Pepper Tree, New Zealand pepper-tree
Macropiper excelsum

Family: Piperaceae

What it is like

A densely branched shrub. It grows 2-3 m high. The stems are black. The leaves are heart shaped and very dark green. They are 8-12 cm long. The veins spread out from the base. The flowers are very small and yellow. The fruit are catkins or berries. These are 3-4 cm long. They are green when unripe and turn orange-yellow when mature. They are edible.

There are 9 or 10 Macropiper species. They occur in the Pacific.

Where it is found

Macropiper excelsum subsp. psittacorum occurs in Norfolk Is and Lord Howe Is.. These have larger leaves and longer flower spikes. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Macropiper excelsum subsp. excelsum occurs in New Zealand. It grows in coastal forests. It is damaged by heavy frosts. Hobart Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 7-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Pacific, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The flower clusters have a peppery taste. They are eaten. The fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, spice, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or from half hardened cuttings.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Kawakawa, Kawa Kawa

Synonyms

Piper excelsum;