Piper methysticum

	Piper methysticum
	compleat botanica plants specimen names Specimen (Pi - Pl)

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Piper methysticum

kava kava

family piperaceae
genus piper

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Identification

Genus Piper Species methysticum Variety Cultivar Common names kava kava Family PIPERACEAE Specimen number S8695 Data source DyePl p45;MedPl p119

Life cycle

Life form Terrestrial Life cycle Various Life span Annual cycle Not applicable Stature Various Growth form Not applicable Growth habit Various Overall height Overall spread

Climate

Sunshine Various Water Various Optimal soil texture Various Acceptable soil pH Various USDA hardiness Not classified AHS heat zones Not classified Sunset climate zones Not classified

Garden

Suitable for gardens no Nursery Unknown Compost no Size at acquisition Unknown Garden location Unknown Garden notes The roots of Piper methysticum have been used in traditional fabric dyeing. Black is the most typical color produced by Kava kava. Kava has been used in Thailand for dyeing.

Special qualities

Tolerates drought no Tolerates high humidity no Tolerates seaside conditions no Insect resistant no Disease resistant no Deer resistant no Best uses Symbiosis Attracts butterflies no Attracts hummingbirds no Autumn foliage no Colorful berries no Desirable qualities Other interest Other interest color Other interest period

Adverse factors

Common pests Poisonous parts Poisonous indications Internal poison no Dermatologic poison no Livestock poison no Mechanical injury no Hay fever pollen Hay fever season Adverse qualities

Herbal medicine

Medicinal properties stimulant tonic aphrodisiac urinary antiseptic analgesic soporific narcotic Medicinal parts Root Has medicinal uses yes Do not self-administer no Do no use if pregnant yes Legally restricted no Toxicity precautions Medicinal notes Piper methysticum has herbal applications as a stimulant, as a tonic, as an aphrodisiac and as a urinary antiseptic. See the medicinal properties section for even more traditional herbal uses. Kava kava is not to be taken by pregnant women. Only the root is used in herbal preparations.

Traditional uses

Parts used Traditional uses Contemporary uses Fragrance Fragrance parts Fragrance intensity Fragrance category Dye parts Roots Dye color black

Cultivation

Propagule Various Pollination method Planting style Crop spacing Row spacing Cold frame Planting period Harvesting period Frost tolerance Heat requirement Fertilizer Typical Time to harvest

Nutrition

Is edible no Culinary uses Nutritional value Edible parts Description of edible parts Flavor / texture

Horticulture

Horticulture notes Piper methysticum probably originates from Thailand.

Herbarium

Tag needs printing no Collection notes

Page 3668 of 4998

Last reviewed November 01, 2004

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