Description
Piper methysticum, commonly called kava, is an upright, dioecious, evergreen shrub.
Kava or kava-kava is a crop of the western Pacific. The name kava is from Tongan and Marquesan. Piper methysticum, commonly called kava, is an upright, dioecious, evergreen shrub with heart-shaped glossy dark green leaves.
Plant Specifications
Common Name | Kava or kava-kava |
Maximum Reachable Height | 10 to 15 feet |
Flower Colour | Creamy white |
Bloom Time | Seasonal bloomer |
Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Kava Kava care
This shrub is best grown in deep, organically rich, well-drained soils in moist, humid, tropical conditions with frequent rainfall. If you want to try growing kava at home, search for a kava vendor selling live seedlings or rootstock. Keep in mind that domesticated Piper methysticum (kava kava) plants are sterile, meaning they produce no seed and new plants must always be grown from cuttings or the root bundle of the plant.
Sunlight | Part shade |
Watering | Medium |
Soil | Well-drained soil |
Temperature | 75 to 80 degrees |
Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Kava Kava special feature
This tropical shrub is infrequently grown in the U.S. except for Hawaii. In temperate climates, it may be grown in containers that are overwintered indoors from fall to spring.
Kava Kava uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for an ornamental purpose
- In temperate climates, it may be grown in containers that are overwintered indoors from fall to spring
Medicinal Use:
- Arthritic and rheumatic conditions