This is a very rare and hard to find species! Kava is both the common name and the beverage made from the root of Piper methysticum. Kava is native to Oceania, the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean, where it is used as a ritual drink. Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of Micronesia for its sedating effects. Kava is an anxiolytic herbal medicine used in the treatment of sleep and anxiety disorders. See Article about pipers.