Rongoa Māori

Kawakawa

1 Where to find it 2 Parts of the plant

Kawakawa is most commonly
found in the lowland and
coastal forests of the north Leaf
island and the north end of
the south island. It is found
here because it prefers soil
that is damp, rich and free-
draining.
Stem

3 How my plant 4 Roles of parts

uses MRS. GREN
My plant uses movement to move
towards the sun so that it can properly
photosynthesise. My plant needs to be
able to grow so that it can access more
sunlight and it needs to be able to
grow to make flowers, which enables it
to reproduce. Talking about
reproduction, this is another key life
process to ensure the kawakawa will
live for a very long time.
of the plant
The role of the flower is to spread seeds
across the ground so that the plant
reproduces. The stem is like a big straw
and drinks up the water from the roots
(also known as the radicle) so that the
plant has access to water and can
photosynthesise. Along with the leaves
being the main place for photosynthesis,
they also have a waxy exterior to protect
the plant from bugs and predators.

5 Photosynthesis in my plant
Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts in the leaves of my plant.
For photosynthesis to occur, you need carbon dioxide and water
(along with sunlight and chlorophyll)
CO 2+ H2 O → C6 H 12 O 6+ O 2
to make glucose and oxygen.
 Rongoā Māori
Kawakawa
6 How does photo-
synthesis help
Photosynthesis is key to making
sure a plant will survive as that is
the only way it can respirate and
gain nutrition. If plants could not
photosynthesise they would be
unable to grow, ending the
population right then and there.
8 Medicinal uses
Kawakawa can be used to treat
many ailments, making it a
magical plant. It can help with
cuts, wounds, toothache and
abdominal distress. Kawakawa
is also helpful to aid eczema
along with other skin sores.
10 Bibliography
Aoteamade.co.nz
Koaorganics.co.nz Thanks for reading
7 How to harvest
kawakawa
When harvesting kawakawa you
need to make sure that you are
following the correct protocols.
To do this you need to switch off
any devices, and it is always best
to harvest in the morning, as that
is when it is at it’s freshest.
9 What parts of the
plant to use
To make kawakawa most
successful, you can boil the leaves
with oil and add in beeswax to
make a kawakawa balm or you can
chew on the leaves to help with
toothaches.