Home > Plants > Piperaceae > Piper methysticum

Family Piperaceae

HAWAII - POLYNESIAN INTRODUCTION

Piper methysticum

UH Manoa, Oahu

Haiku, Oahu

'AWA    KAVA

Spreading shrub with thick jointed branches.  Brought to Hawaii by early settlers & cultivated in damp shaded lowlands.  Roots are pounded & mixed with water to create a narcotic ceremonial drink.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava