Piper methysticum cv. Hawaiian Black Stem (Kava) Plant

Description

Piper methysticum, known as Kava, is a native of Pacific Ocean Islands. This cultivar is known as Hawaiian Black Stem. There are many different varieties, each with particular morphological and pharmacological differences, this Hawaiian cultivar is from Polynesia and has notable black / purple stems.

Kava is an evergreen shrub that grows to a height of 2m with a spread of 2m. The stem is erect and branching with heart shaped, green and acuminate leaves. The flowers are whitish, occurring in short, axillary spikes.

Kava is sedating and is primarily consumed to relax without disrupting mental clarity. Kava contains several active compounds, primarily kavalactones, which are responsible for its psychoactive, calming, and muscle-relaxing effects.

The six major kavalactones are:

1. Kavain – Sedative and anxiolytic (reduces anxiety)

2. Dihydrokavain – Similar to kavain; enhances relaxation

3. Methysticin – Contributes to muscle relaxation and mood elevation

4. Dihydromethysticin – Mild analgesic (pain relief), neuroprotective

5. Yangonin – May interact with cannabinoid receptors

6. Desmethoxyyangonin – Modulates dopamine and neurotransmitters

These six make up over 90% of kava’s pharmacological activity.

The roots of this plant are used to produce a drink with sedative and anaesthetic properties. Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of Micronesia.

Kava is often used as a herbal supplement for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. It is said to induce a state of happy unconcern, well-being and contentment, free of physical or psychological excitement. Kava is said to soothes temperaments.

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Cutting Grown Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Kava prefers rich, moist, well-composted soils in a protected, partially shaded position. It is drought and frost tender.

Pruning: Kava is a slow- to moderately-growing tropical shrub that benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a healthy, productive structure and encourage vigorous new growth. Avoid excessive pruning, as heavy removal of foliage can temporarily reduce the plant’s energy production and slow root growth. In tropical and subtropical climates, light maintenance pruning is usually all that is required to keep kava healthy and vigorous.

Pests and Diseases: Monitor your plant for pests like mealybugs, scale, aphids or spider mites. Kava is generally a resilient plant with relatively few serious pest problems when grown under suitable tropical or subtropical conditions. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage.

We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

We cannot ship this species Internationally.

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

Interested in Kava? Have a look at our other Kava products

Piper methysticum (Kava) 100:1 Extract 25g

Piper methysticum ‘Vanuatu’ (Kava) Plant

Piper methysticum ‘Somoan’ (Kava) Plant