Family Piperaceae

Pepper Family

HAWAII - INDIGENOUS

Peperomia tetraphylla

Nu'uanu Pali, Oahu

'ALA'ALA WAI NUI

Succulent creeping or epiphytic perennial of mesic to wet forest, often on vertical surfaces or moss.  Tropics worldwide.

Peperomia leptostachya

Kanaio, Maui

'ALA'ALA WAI NUI

Succulent creeping perennial of dry or mesic forest, often on rough 'a'a lava.  Tropical & subtropical Pacific islands.

POLYNESIAN INTRODUCTION

Piper methysticum

UH Manoa, Oahu

'AWA    KAVA

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

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava

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