This dataset contains metabolomic fingerprint data from kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) leaves subjected to herbivory by three native Aotearoa New Zealand Lepidopteran species: Cleora scriptaria, Epalxiphora axenana, and Ctenopseustis obliquana. Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (REIMS) was used to generate chemical profiles of leaves across four treatment conditions: caterpillar eaten, caterpillar present but not eaten, artifically hole-punched, and untreated control.Our study reveals the herbivory-driven metabolomic alterations in Macropiper excelsum leaves, highlighting species-specific responses and integrating mātauranga (Indigenous knowledge) with conventional science to study plant-insect interactions. Multivariate analysis was conducted to explore differences in leaf chemistry across species and treatement.Files included:REIMS_kawakawa_cleaned_data for multivariate analysis.xlsx – Cleaned REIMS feature matrix and burnhole averages used for multivariate analysisREIMS_kawakawa_variable_Stats.xlsx – Descriptive statistics and corrected p-values for pairwise group comparisonsREIMS_kawakawa_tentative_IDs_unconfirmed.xlsx – Tentative compound identifications from negative ion mode REIMS (Level 1 only, unconfirmed by MS/MS)Note: This dataset is under permanent embargo to protect mātauranga Māori and the status of kawakawa as a taonga species. Researchers may request access, and requests will be reviewed in line with tikanga and data sovereignty principles.
