Kawakawa or Macropiper excelsum is a native New Zealand tree which grows to about 8 m tall. It has large, glossy green, heart-shaped leaves and has an attractive shape when grown in an open site.

Kawakawa have medicinal value in traditional Maori medicine.

It prefers open, sunny sites that are well-drained. It is excellent for revegetation as it provides quick cover and trees establish readily.

Seed is best planted in autumn for spring germination and can also be sown in spring.
Common throughout the North & the top half of the South Island from sea level to 600m.
Kawakawa is an ideal understory plant as it generates enough shade to suppress most weeds.

Germination time is between 1 and 5 months
Press into seed-raising mix, do not cover.
Germinates in warm temps.