Information

The Marquesas are virgin islands with luxuriant and generous vegetation. Even if it is found on most high Polynesian islands, the Kau Pe comes from Hawaii and is locally called «pua». It is the emblem of these islands, just as the Tiare flower is for Tahiti. The legend says that the first Pua was brought to the earth by the god Tane, god of forests, who had taken it from his tenth heaven. That is why Pua was considered sacred and dedicated to make idols for the god Tane.

This very decorative small tree is characterized by its flowers, particularly valued for their exhilarating, subtle and delicate perfume smelling like Tiare. Flower of love, friendship and life, it is mainly used to make crowns and garlands, and is also used for a Marquesas specialty, the Umuhei, a mix of traditional plants with aphrodisiac virtues macerated in Monoï.

Manufacturing Process

Kau Pe flowers are first sundried before being distilled by steam water under atmospheric pressure, without any additive or chemical treatment. The resulting floral water is then purified by sterilizing filtration and finally stabilized by addition of a preservative.

Physical characteristics

Appearance, 25°C

Liquid

Odour

Characteristice, Delicate, Sensual

Colour

Colourless

Specific gravity, 20°C

1.325 – 1.350

Solubility in water

Miscible

Solubility in oil

Immiscible

Solubility in ethanol

Miscible

Main composition

Extraction ratio (w/w)

10%

Solvent

Steam Distillation

Usage information

Skincare products

10 to 60%

Lotions & Tonics

40 to 85%

Fruit’s Water

Pure or associated to other  floral waters.

Kau Pe, which is used in the polynesian traditional pharmacopeia, it is exempt from toxicity in the cosmetics limits of use adviced.

Properties

1. Calming

2. Decongestant

3. Refreshing

Cosmetic Uses

1. Emollient

2. Soothing and softening properties