Piper methysticum
COMMON NAME | Kava or kava kava |
TYPE | Shrub |
FAMILY | Piperaceae |
NOTES | An
upright, dioecious, evergreen shrub that grows to 10-15’ tall with
heart-shaped glossy dark green leaves (to 6” long.) The root of the plant is
used to produce a drink with sedative, anesthetic, and euphoriant properties. Preparation involves grinding or
pounding the root into a powder and adding the powder to water. |
GEOGRAPHIC REGION | New Guinea or Vanuatu |
NATIVE
HABITAT | Loose,
well-drained soils in high rainfall areas.
Kava is an understory plant and doesn’t like too much direct sun |
WEB SOURCES |
