Kawakawa print
Kawakawa, Piper excelsum, is endemic to New Zealand, meaning it’s only found here. It grows all over Aotearoa, as long as it doesn’t get too cold. In the summer, female plants produce fruit that tastes like weird spicy pumpkin.
Kawakawa is an important plant in rongoā, Māori herbal medicine, and western science has also found it has medicinal properties.
Its leaves are heart-shaped and often holey. Those little holes are made by the kawakawa looper caterpillar Cleora scriptaria. Perhaps the kawakawa looper caterpillars are attracted to more-medicinal leaves, or perhaps the plant reacts to their munching and releases active compounds that makes the leaves more medicinal. Either way, go for the holey leaves.
Kawakawa leaves can be eaten or applied to skin to aid healing of wounds, aches and eczema. They have a mild peppery taste and can make your throat feel a bit numb, which is great if you have a sore throat.
Kawakawa tea is also a cosy, relaxing drink to help with after-dinner digestion. To make the tea, put two or three leaves of kawakawa into your favourite mug and pour boiling water over. When it’s cool enough to drink, the tea is ready.
Product information
Signed copy of an original gouache painting digitally recomposed into a new artwork. Printed on acid-free, archival quality, 100% cotton fibre, velvet fine art paper. The ink should last for decades if hung out of direct sunlight. The size is the size of the paper. It will fit a 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inch) frame. There is a white border around the image to allow for signing and framing.
Return and refund policy
If you’re unhappy with your print, return it within 14 days of delivery in undamaged condition and I will refund the purchase price less the cost of postage.
Packaging and postage
Prints are packed flat in sturdy cardboard and sent via New Zealand Post.
