Kava Stems

Kava stems refer to the woody, aerial stalks of the Piper methysticum plant extending upward from the base and supporting the foliage.

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Long, fibrous, jointed stalks featuring characteristic nodes where leaves and branches emerge. They have a woody exterior bark and a lighter, fibrous inner core.

• Texture: Rigid, tough, and highly woody, making them significantly harder and coarser than the underground roots and basal stumps.

Biochemical & Commercial Profile

• Kavalactone Content: Stems contain a much lower concentration of active kavalactones compared to the roots and basal stumps.

• Industrial & Bulk Application: Because of their lower potency and fibrous nature, stems are typically separated from premium root and chip exports. They are utilized primarily for specific, lower-cost industrial extraction processes, specialized fiber applications, or bulk agricultural formulations where high kavalactone potency is not required.