`Awa

`Awa in the Hawaiian language means "bitter." The term is used to describe the taste, as well as used figuratively in speech and poetry to describe ordeals along the journey of life. In the Pacific islands it is also known as Kava (Tonga), 'Ava (Samoa), Sakau (Pohnpei), and Yaqona (Fiji).

There are numerous varieties of `Awa plants. Some are used only for very high ceremony. Basically however, it is a shrub that can grow up to 12' high. The green ovate shaped leaves of the `Awa plant have fine hairs on the underside. They can grow from 4" to 8" wide. Large nodes mark the jointed stems. `Awa is propagated by stem cuttings and can grow in dry or moist conditions.

Traditional Medicinal and Cultural Usages

• Juice extracted from the roots can be prepared for ceremony, offering blessings, or for use as medicine or a narcotic. Usage varies according to the tradition