The beginning of my connection with the plant
The first time I heard about horopito was from a forest therapy guide friend. While walking through her re-generated native forest in Waikawa near Picton, she told me about this remarkable plant: “If you chew its leaves, it has a pungent taste, peppery, but refreshing.”
Back then, I knew little about plants, especially New Zealand natives. Her words stayed with me, along with a recommendation to read The Meaning of Trees. That book sparked my fascination, but one thing still lingered in my mind - the taste of horopito leaves. Books couldn’t satisfy my curiosity. I wanted to experience it myself.
My First Taste of Horopito
That chance came during a hike to Ryde Falls in Oxford, Canterbury. Early along the track, under tall beech and mānuka trees, I spotted clusters of mountain horopito with their striking red blotches across green leaves.
I plucked one, chewed it, and was instantly amazed. The flavour was powerful, rich, peppery, and refreshing, a little like mint, but far more complex. What’s more, I felt a sudden burst of energy: my mind clearer, my body more alive.
I shared the leaves with my husband and son, and they too felt the sensation. Later, I carefully dried a few leaves and pressed them into my nature journal to remember that moment.
The Science and Magic Behind the Leaves
Horopito’s strength comes from a natural compound called polygodial. This chemical helps the plant survive extreme conditions and fight off infections.
The striking red blotches on horopito leaves come from anthocyanins, pigments that increase when the plant is under stress. The redder the leaf, the more polygodial it contains — and the stronger the taste!
For centuries, horopito has been valued both in traditional Māori use and modern natural remedies. It has been brewed as tea, sprinkled as a spice, and processed into creams and balms. Its properties are known to be antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and supportive of digestion and skin health.
What fascinates me most is how this humble shrub lives quietly in the forest. It doesn’t demand attention, yet it brings beauty with its red-green leaves, defends itself fiercely, and generously shares its healing power with those who encounter it.
Bringing Horopito to Children
I’ve always wanted to share horopito’s magic with more people. Now, through our newest Horopito Box, I finally can! For details please check out here.
This box blends science, nature, and creativity, giving kids the chance to learn hands-on while connecting with Aotearoa’s unique environment.
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Horopito has taught me that even the quietest plants can hold extraordinary power. By bringing its story to children, I hope to spark curiosity, deepen their connection to the natural world, and inspire them to see the magic in every leaf.
I can’t wait for families to discover the wonder of horopito through this new box!
With love xx,
Violet Fan
Sep 2025, Christchurch