Piper methysticum

G.Forst. (1786)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Magnoliids Order: Piperales Family: Piperaceae Genus: Piper

‘awa [awa], kava, kavakava, sakau, yangona

img

Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Shrubs 1.5–3 m tall.

Stems: Stems jointed, swollen at nodes.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Alternate. Blades cordate, 13–30 cm long, 10–23 cm wide. Apex tapering. Lower surfaces minutely puberulent on veins. Margins entire, ciliate. Palmately veined, principal veins 9–13, spreading from base except the 3 uppermost. Petioles 2–3 cm long. Stipules accrescent and usually persistent, at ultimate node and sometimes at some of the lower nodes, 4.5–5.5 cm long, 0.8–2.2 cm wide, the ultimate stipule forming a lanceoloid sheath enclosing the developing stem.

Flowers: Flowers in mature spikes white, 3–9 cm long (incl. peduncle), peduncles up to 1.5 cm long. Flowers unisexual (and the plants dioecious), perianth absent. Each flower subtended by a minute, glabrous, peltate bract. Calyx (sepals) absent. Corolla (petals) absent. Stamens 2–4. Ovary superior, 2–4(5)-carpellate, 1-celled; ovules 1 per cell, orthotropous, erect; stigmas as many as carpels, essentially terminal.

Fruit: Fruit drupaceous (fruiting absent or rare in Hawaii). Seeds 1 per fruit; subglobose; with scanty endosperm and copious; starchy perisperm.

Ploidy:

Habitat: Shaded mesic valleys or more open; windward mesic sites.

Elevation Range: 50–500 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

Accepted Subtaxa (in Hawai'i) (1)

Uses and Culture

USES

  • Most commonly known as a relaxant. Used in a wide variety of social settings, including ceremonies of various types. Also blended with other substances for healing purposes. The active chemicals in 'awa are called kavalactones, which are mainly composed of varying ratios of 6 different chemicals; they are (numbered from 1 through 6): 1) demethoxy-yangonin (DMY); 2) dihydrokavain (DHK); 3) yangonin (Y); 4) kavain (K); 5) dihydromethysticin (DHM); and 6) methysticin (M). The components have differing physiological effects; studies have shown that DHK and DHM are the most potent kavalactones, while kavain is most quickly absorbed when drunk and is highly valued for its pleasant effects, including relaxed mental and physical state, improved ability to think, and stabilization of feelings. While it is possible to extract an individual component for use, it is the synergistic combination of all the chemicals that produces best results. (Lebot et al.1992).

  • ‘Awa is used to treat a wide variety of ailments, such as insomnia; the ashes are rubbed on lesions of thrush/fungal disease (‘ea, pa‘ao‘ao) of children; also for kidney disorders, chills, chewed for headaches, and tiredness. Root extract used in remedies to relieve difficulty in urinating, menstrual irregularities, and congestion in the respiratory tract (Chun 1994:51–59).

CULTURE

  • [I] ‘Awa kau la‘au o Puna. Tree-growing ‘awa of Puna. Tree-grown ‘awa of Puna was famous for its potency. It was believed that birds carried pieces of ‘awa up into the trees where it would grow. [II] E hanai ‘awa a ikaika ka makani. Feed with ‘awa so that the spirit may gain strength. One offers ‘awa and prayers to the dead so that their spirits may grow strong and be a source of help to the family. [III] Ka ‘awa lena o Kali‘u. the yellowed ‘awa of Kali‘u. Refers to Kali‘u, Kaua‘i. People noticed drunken rats in the forest and discovered some very potent ‘awa there. There is a Kali‘u in Puna, Hawai‘i, where good ‘awa is also grown. [IV] O Honu‘apo aku no ia o kahi o ka ‘ahu‘awa. That is Honu‘apo where the ‘ahu‘awa grows. A Ka‘u saying about disappointment. The ‘ahu‘awa was much used as fiber for straining ‘awa. A play on hoka (to strain, to be disappointed). [V] Paoa ka lawai‘a i ka ‘olelo ia o ka ‘awa. Unlucky is fishing when ‘awa is discussed. ‘Awa (kava) also means "bitterness." [VI] Puna, ‘aina ‘awa lau o ka manu. Puna, land of the leafed ‘awa planted by the birds.

PROPAGATION/CULTIVATION

  • (Handy et al. 1972:191–192)

Natural History

Statewide Status

Only found in cultivation

Island Status

Kaua'i Only found in cultivation
O'ahu Only found in cultivation
Molokai Only found in cultivation
Lana'i Only found in cultivation
Maui Only found in cultivation
Hawai'i Only found in cultivation

Dispersal Agents


Vegetative Reproduction

Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Diss. Pl. Esc.: 76 (1786)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1036 (K, O, Mo, M, H); Staples & Herbst 2005:456 (KEY, DESCR); Whistler 2009:171 (exclude from checklist, plants found on landscape are relicts of former cult. as Haw'n plants are all male clones)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Piper methysticum Cliff base between Pu'u Keahiakahoe and Pu'ukahuauli Gully head at cliff base Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 1814 Oahu BISH 1984-11-03
2 Piper methysticum Waiahole Ditch Trail, Kahana, Metrosideros woods Preserved_Specimen Clump 1 m diameter; culms 7 m tall, 3 cm diameter, solid black. St.John, H. 25294 Oahu BISH 1954-05-02
3 Piper methysticum Wooded Valley, Haiku Valley, Waiahole forest reserve, Heeia Preserved_Specimen Big clump St.John, H. 12275 Oahu BISH 1932-12-11
4 Piper methysticum Punaula Valley Preserved_Specimen 20 ft tall; stems 2.5 in diameter; clumps in rocky wooded valley; 50-100 stems per clump. St.John, H. 12796 Molokai BISH 1932-12-28
5 Piper methysticum Lyon Arboretum Preserved_Specimen Shrub 10 ft tall. Stems green with swollen nodes. White spikes of flowers. Herbst, D.R. 676 Oahu BISH 1967-10-25
6 Piper methysticum Oahu Preserved_Specimen Shrub 1 diameter. 8 ft tall. Nagata, K.M. 266 Oahu BISH 1967-07-14
7 Piper methysticum Waiahole Ditch Trail, head of Kahana Valley, Hauula Forest Reserve. By stream no. 18 Preserved_Specimen 15 ft clump. St.John, H. 13432 Oahu BISH 1933-12-10
8 Piper methysticum Beyond end of Aliumanu Rd., Kahaluu Valley Preserved_Specimen Single plant in dense gulch Degener, O. 24982 Oahu BISH 1958-11-24
9 Piper methysticum Waikolu Stream Preserved_Specimen 5 m tall shrub with clumps St.John, H. 23459 Molokai BISH 1948-12-22
10 Piper methysticum Lower woods, Waikane-Schofield Trail, Waikane Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 11092 Oahu BISH 1931-05-10
11 Piper methysticum Honokanenui Valley Preserved_Specimen stem green with dark brown nodes Degener, O. 21872 Hawaii BISH 1952-02-18
12 Piper methysticum Waiahole Dtich Trail, Koolau Mts. Side gully by flume #26 Preserved_Specimen Small tree, soft wood, swollen jointed, many-stemmed; stems black. Stone, B.C. 1248 Oahu BISH 1956-04-29
13 Piper methysticum Punahou area, 1950 Manoa Rd Preserved_Specimen Shrub 2 m tall with major branches arising from base, being at first erect, then leaning as they lengthen. Pigmentation reddish-purple, especially at nodes. Lau, J. 1410 Oahu BISH 1985-09-10
14 Piper methysticum Waiahole Dtich Trail, Koolau Mts. Side gully by flume #26 Preserved_Specimen Small tree, soft wood, swollen jointed, many-stemmed; stems black. Stone, B.C. 1248 Oahu BISH 1956-04-29
15 Piper methysticum Wailau Valley, Malama, in small stream bed Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 10378 Molokai BISH 1984-08-14
16 Piper methysticum Halawa Valley Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 495 Molokai BISH 1912-09-01
17 Piper methysticum Wailau Valley, No. coast, east island Preserved_Specimen Canes 6 m tall Fosberg, F.R. 9627 Molokai BISH 1933-07-03
18 Piper methysticum Kapoho, 1 mile N of Kaimu Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 11238 Hawaii BISH 1931-12-21
19 Piper methysticum Haena Preserved_Specimen Bloom white; joint purple. Handy, E.S. Kauai BISH 1931-07-23
20 Piper methysticum Ridge north of Kuapa Rd Preserved_Specimen Gillespie, J.W. 1093 Oahu BISH 1927-07-08
21 Piper methysticum Haena Preserved_Specimen Bloom white; joint purple. Handy, E.S. Kauai BISH 1931-07-23
22 Piper methysticum North Halawa Valley; above BM Site # 50-0a-B1-96 Preserved_Specimen Woodward, L. 11 Oahu BISH 1992-12-14
23 Piper methysticum Haena Preserved_Specimen Bloom white; joint purple. Handy, E.S. Kauai BISH 1931-07-23
24 Piper methysticum Wainiha Preserved_Specimen Bloom white; stem and joints green, joints long Handy, E.S. Kauai BISH 1931-07-23
25 Piper methysticum Mapulehu Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 7080 Molokai BISH 1910-02-01
26 Piper methysticum Koolau Range, Kahana Valley Ditch Trail, wet forest, bottom of gulch Preserved_Specimen Fosberg, F.R. 10400 Oahu BISH 1933-11-26
27 Piper methysticum Waiahole Ditch Trail, Kahana Valley, near intake tunnel in rain forest Preserved_Specimen Shrub-like plant 12 ft tall Yoshioka, T. Oahu BISH 1933-12-10
28 Piper methysticum Waiawa Valley. Wet shady area Preserved_Specimen Bush, W. 2059 Oahu BISH 1925-11-22
29 Piper methysticum Gulch west of Ualapue, rocky wet woods Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 2956 Molokai BISH 1928-06-30
30 Piper methysticum Molokai Community College farm shadehouse; potted in 1-gallon liner Preserved_Specimen Open; upright, 27' tall, coarse-textured; stems green, smooth, nodes raised, brownish; lvs dull forest green above, tomentose below, deeply veined, new growth shiny bright green above, margin slightly raised w/fine hairs. Evans, M. 53 Molokai BISH 1990-07-06
31 Piper methysticum Koolau Range, Waiahole trail Preserved_Specimen Chock, A.K. 212 Oahu BISH 1951-04-01
32 Piper methysticum Oahu Preserved_Specimen Rémy, J. 190 Oahu BISH 1855-04-01
33 Piper methysticum Waianu, Waiahole , in wet thicket Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 11398 Oahu BISH 1937-08-10
34 Piper methysticum Moanalua Valley Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1412 Oahu BISH 1909-12-08
35 Piper methysticum East Maui, Hana Preserved_Specimen Handy, E.S. 3317 Maui BISH 1933-03-10
36 Piper methysticum Koolau Mts., Kahuku Forest Reservation; Koloa Gulch and north fork of same Preserved_Specimen Sohmer, S.H. 6628 Oahu BISH 1970-09-02
37 Piper methysticum Hanakoa Valley Preserved_Specimen Stone, B.C. 1496 Kauai BISH 1956-12-26
38 Piper methysticum Waikane-Waiahole Trail Preserved_Specimen Topping, D.L. 3273 Oahu BISH 1926-01-03
39 Piper methysticum EAst arm of Kaluaaha Valley, wet woods Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 3060 Molokai BISH 1928-07-12
40 Piper methysticum Private garden Preserved_Specimen Funk, E.J. 920005 Lanai BISH 1992-01-26
41 Piper methysticum Mapulehu Valley, walls of rocky gorge Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12751 Molokai BISH 1932-12-28
42 Piper methysticum Western branch of Mapulehu Valley, wet woods Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 3117 Molokai BISH 1928-07-23
43 Piper methysticum Magoon Facility, University of Hawaii at Manoa Preserved_Specimen Dragull, K. 1 Oahu BISH 2003-01-25
44 Piper methysticum Hanakoa Valley Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 78 Kauai BISH 1909-07-15
45 Piper methysticum Koolau Range, Waiahole trail Preserved_Specimen Chock, A.K. 212 Oahu BISH 1951-04-01
46 Piper methysticum near Kalapana Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 3965 Hawaii BISH 1930-05-02
47 Piper methysticum Heeia, Haiku Valley, Waiahole Forest Reserve, wooded valley Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12275 Oahu BISH 1932-12-11
48 Piper methysticum Hanakapiai; Napali Coast Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 10911 Kauai BISH 1930-12-31
49 Piper methysticum Magoon Facility, University of Hawaii at Manoa Preserved_Specimen Dragull, K. 1 Oahu BISH 2003-01-25
50 Piper methysticum Hii Mts Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 666 Kauai BISH 1916-10-22
51 Piper methysticum Kapakahi, koa zone, in partly open kukui stand Preserved_Specimen Egler, F.E. 37224 Oahu BISH 1937-07-22
52 Piper methysticum Magoon Facility, University of Hawaii at Manoa Preserved_Specimen Dragull, K. 1 Oahu BISH 2003-01-25
53 Piper methysticum Mapulehu Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 7080 Molokai BISH 1910-02-01
54 Piper methysticum Hilo-Kona Road Preserved_Specimen Meebold, A. Hawaii BISH 1932-05-01
55 Piper methysticum Bishop Museum Ground Preserved_Specimen Bryan Jr., E.H. Oahu BISH 1934-10-30
56 Piper methysticum Waiahole Ditch Trail Preserved_Specimen Meebold, A. Oahu BISH 1932-06-01
57 Piper methysticum East Maui, Mountains back of Hana Preserved_Specimen Titcomb, M. Maui BISH 1933-08-05
58 Piper methysticum Bishop Museum Ground Preserved_Specimen Bryan Jr., E.H. Oahu BISH 1934-10-30
59 Piper methysticum Kona Preserved_Specimen Handy, E.S. Hawaii BISH 1931-08-03
60 Piper methysticum Oahu Preserved_Specimen Rémy, J. 190 Oahu BISH 1854-01-01
61 Piper methysticum Wailupe Preserved_Specimen Kondo, Y. Oahu BISH 1951-06-23
62 Piper methysticum Magoon Facility, University of Hawaii at Manoa Preserved_Specimen Dragull, K. 1 Oahu BISH 2003-01-25
63 Piper methysticum Wailau Valley, inside valley near the beach Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 10372 Molokai BISH 1984-08-13
64 Piper methysticum Hanakapiai, Napali Coast Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 10911 Kauai BISH 1930-12-31
65 Piper methysticum Halawa Valley Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 495 Molokai BISH 1912-09-01
66 Piper methysticum Gully head at cliff base between Puu Keahiakakoe and Puukahuauli. Local concentration growing by Cyrtandra collection Koolaum 380 On slope consisting of talus rubble, under kukui canopy. Preserved_Specimen 7 ft shrub. Takeuchi, W.N. 1813 Oahu BISH 1984-11-03
67 Piper methysticum ahupuaa of Halepuaa forest Reserve in the Puna District of Hawaii Found growing in moderate shade. Preserved_Specimen ESP Field Crew Hawaii BISH 1979-08-15
68 Piper methysticum Between Olaa and Hilo in Panaewa woods Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8752 Hawaii BISH 1929-07-09
69 Piper methysticum Halfway toward head of Punaluu Valley Among grass and banana plants near stream. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 4276 Oahu BISH 1931-08-05
70 Piper methysticum Waiahole Valley, intermittent streambed between Waianu and Uwau streams In dense Clidemia, very common in side gullies between the above 2 streams. Preserved_Specimen Large 8-10 ft spreading bush Takeuchi, W.N. 1874 Oahu BISH 1984-12-02
71 Piper methysticum Palolo, Waiomao Valley, Koolau Range, Kaau Crater Dense wet forest Preserved_Specimen Tree 10 ft tall Nishimoto, M. Oahu BISH 1945-04-17
72 Piper methysticum Hilo near flow of 1881, aa lava Preserved_Specimen 3.5 m sprawling shrub MacDaniels, L.H. 230 Hawaii BISH 1925-11-12
73 Piper methysticum Manana. Central Koolau Mountains. Growing in gulch bottom in lowland mesic-wet forest dominated by Dicranopteris linearis, Biancaea decapetala, Ardisia elliptica, Acacia koa, Psidium cattleianum, Schinus terebinthifolius, Phaius tankervilleae, Blechnum appendiculatum, and others. Area apparently destroyed by pigs. Preserved_Specimen Large solitary plant up to 3 m tall. Internodes long, plant green with few lenticels at nodes. Thomas, M.K. 669 Oahu BISH 2024-05-20
74 Piper methysticum Kona slope of Mauna Loa clearing Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 2426 Hawaii BISH 1922-08-25
75 Piper methysticum Puna. Ca 10km SE of Pahoa at Shawn Laba's Huliaulea Bed & Breakfast Mesic forest Preserved_Specimen Shrub to 3m with jointed stems. Annable, C.R. 3057 Hawaii BISH 1996-10-06
76 Piper methysticum Lihue, Wahiawa Mts. On eastern flank along Kuia Stream In forest dominated by Metrosideros and Psidium. With Cyrtandra kealiae. Preserved_Specimen Large spreading shrub, 12 ft tall, 15 ft across. Flynn, T.W. 1940 Kauai BISH 1986-10-05
77 Piper methysticum Palolo Valley In moist cl;earing as if persistent after planting Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 2611 Oahu BISH 1928-02-12
78 Piper methysticum road between Glenwood and Hilo rocky jungle Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 2073 Hawaii BISH 1926-07-20
79 Piper methysticum Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Native Garden. Cultivated on slight slope. With Ipomoea and Morinda citrifolia. Partially shaded by Cordia subcordata. Preserved_Specimen Small shrub with cordate leaves. Leaves Parrot Green (Color 121, G. Köhler 2012) above and between Medium Lime Green (C 115) and Lime Green (C 116) below. Largest leaf 22 cm long x 19 cm wide. Upright growth form with lenticels +/- evenly spread across a node. Nodes 4-15 cm long (avg. 10 cm) end joints of nodes Leaf Green (C 122) with stems between Parrot Green (C 121) and Lime Green (C 116). Lenticels Leaf Green (C 122) and raised, more so on lower portions near the ground. Some lower portions of stems darkly blushed Dark Brownish Olive (C 127). Piko/petioles same color as the stems. Walvoord, N. 2023005 Oahu BISH 2023-01-11
80 Piper methysticum Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Grounds, Courtyard between Konia Hall and Paki Hall. Cultivated in recently planted area behind stone bowl (Object number C.01159). Being shaded by Ceodes umbelifera and Saccharum and occasionally being climbed by Canavalia galeata. With various other Hawaiian landscape plants Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Erythrina sandwicensis, Chenopodium oahuense, and Capparis sandwichiana. Various small weeds beneath mostly various Euphorbia. Pests include Pheodole megacephala, Mealybug, and Spiraling Whitefly. Preserved_Specimen Small shrub with cordate leaves. Leaves Parrot Green (Color 121, G. Köhler 2012) to Leaf Green (C 122) with petiole/liko the same. Leaves 22 cm long x 18 cm wide. Normal growth form (see Hawaiian ‘Awa 2006) with lenticels concentrated at the top of node. Nodes 4-12 cm long (avg. 6.7 cm). Lenticels Leaf Green (C 122). Top of some nodes blushed Olive (C 126). Walvoord, N. 2023018 Oahu BISH 2023-05-15
81 Piper methysticum Gulle head at cliff base between Puu Keahiakahoe and Puukahuauli Slopes consisting of talus rubble, under kukui canopy. Local concentration growing by Cyrtandra coll. Koolau 380, field no. Koolau 383c. PRC 885 Preserved_Specimen Shrubs 7 ft tall Takeuchi, W.N. 1813 Oahu BISH 1984-11-03
82 Piper methysticum Puna, Kaneleau Pandanus thicket Preserved_Specimen 3 m male shrub St.John, H. 22280 Hawaii BISH 1946-12-22
83 Piper methysticum Palolo, Waiomao Valley, Koolau Range Intermediate moist, in shallow gulch Preserved_Specimen Spike white Nishida, T. Oahu BISH 1943-12-05
84 Piper methysticum Haena, Waiahuakua Valley Aleurites, Diospyros, Nestegis, Pisonia umbellifera, Wikstroemia oahuensis, Freycinetia arborea, Rauvolfia sandwicensis, Ochrosia kauaiensis, Psydrax odorata Preserved_Specimen shrub; stems green, jointed, lower nodes ~25 cm separation, diminishing up stems; leaves green Wood, K.R. 12974 Kauai BISH 2008-05-08
85 Piper methysticum Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Native Garden. Cultivated on slight slope. With Ipomoea, Morinda citrifolia, Cordia subcordata, Vigna maritima and another cultivated P. methisticum (sheet 787395). Partially shaded by Psydrax odorata. Preserved_Specimen Small shrub with cordate leaves. Leaves Parrot Green (Color 121, G. Köhler 2012) above and Lime Green (C 116) below. Largest leaf 24 cm long x 22 cm wide (minus piko/petiole). Prostrate/sprawling growth form, <1m tall but branches ~1m long with few lenticels mostly at the top of the nodes. Nodes 2-10 cm long (avg. 5 cm). Stems between Maroon (C 39) and Raw Umber (C 28), Maroon (C 39) blush at lower end of nedes fading to a much lighter Pale Cinnamon (C 55) at the top. Piko/petioles same color as the stems (C 39). Sterile flowers Apple Green (C104) and 2mm long. Walvoord, N. 2023019 Oahu BISH 2023-05-26
86 Piper methysticum Kaunala Gulch, Kaunala (Kahuku Forest Reserve) Shaded stream bank Preserved_Specimen Large clumps 1 m diam; stems 5 m x 7 cm St.John, H. 20149 Oahu BISH 1941-02-09
87 Piper methysticum ahupuaa of Halepuaa Forest Reserve in the Puna District Found growing in moderate shade. Preserved_Specimen ESP Field Crew Hawaii BISH 1979-08-15
88 Piper methysticum Maunahina In Pocket terrace of abandoned system in wet, shady gulch. Preserved_Specimen shrub 1-2.5 m tall. Earle, E. 52 Kauai BISH 1972-09-10
89 Piper methysticum Pahoa aa lava, jungle Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8753 Hawaii BISH 1929-09-26
90 Piper methysticum Waianae Range, Waianae Kai. In subgulch, N of second to the last water tank-facility and against cliff In 45 degree slope and drier terrain. Preserved_Specimen Plants generally stunted and common. With inflorescence. Obata, J.K. Oahu BISH 1991-01-22
91 Piper methysticum East Maui, Hana District, Haleakala National Park. Oheo gulch and stream. E fork of Oheo stream Secondary forest dominated by Aluerites with Psidium and Pisonia. With Cordyline, Dioscorea and Psidium. Preserved_Specimen Seven shrubs, the largest six ft high by eight ft across. Leaves dark green above, paler below. Sterile. Flynn, T.W. 2417 Maui BISH 1987-10-13
92 Piper methysticum Na Pali coast, Hanakoa valley Hedyotis cookiana, Thelypteris, Psidium guajava, Carex meyenii, Blechnum occidentale, Kalanchoe pinnata, Boehmeria grandis, Peperomia, Eragrostis variabilis, Rubus rosifolius, Pluchea, Setaria gracilis Preserved_Specimen 3 m; swollen ~every 35 cm; stalk green, black speckled bumps completely scattered over stalk Wood, K.R. 6318 Kauai BISH 1997-05-24
93 Piper methysticum Koloa District: National Tropical Botanical Garden in Lawai Valley, Big Valley, Canoe Gardem area, east side of Lawai Stream near Allerton gazebo and Hawaiian hale. Preserved_Specimen Cultivated. Perennial herb 1.5 m, shrub-like, densely branched, stems green-brown to black-brown, spotted, leaves dark green above, paler below. Staminate inflorescence pale greenish-white. Lorence, D.H. 10979 Kauai BISH 2023-03-16
94 Piper methysticum Puna wet aa lava forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8751 Hawaii BISH 1930-05-02
95 Piper methysticum Hanakapiai, Napali Coast Preserved_Specimen Stem purplish brown. Degener, O. 21642 Kauai BISH 1952-01-17
96 Piper methysticum Pahoa `a`a lava jungle. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8753 Hawaii BISH 1929-09-26
97 Piper methysticum East Maui, Hana District, Kalahu Point, PTBG Kahanu Garden Area for native plants along margin of Pandanus forest east of Pi`ilanihale Heiau Preserved_Specimen Shrub of 5 ft; stem pale green with darker green molting. Flynn, T.W. 2595 Maui BISH 1987-11-10
98 Piper methysticum Maunahina In Pocket terrace of abandoned system in wet, shady gulch. Preserved_Specimen shrub 1-2.5 m tall. Earle, E. 52 Kauai BISH 1972-09-10