Family: Asparagaceae
Kī or ti is a very well known canoe plant found across cultural, natural, and ornamental landscapes in Hawaiʻi. Kī grows on a single to branched stem up to 10 feet high. Stems are covered in old leaf scars. It can grow moderately fast and hosts a long sweet taproot. Ti leaves are glossy, broadly elliptic, and display a prominent midrib on the underside. Leaf color includes reds, purples, yellows, greens, and oranges.
Kī can be found throughout the Pacific due to its utility. You can find these plants thriving in moist semi-shaded areas of wet valleys and forests. These plants will grow well up to 2000 feet and they do best in full sun with lots of water. However, they also grow well inside and within containers. Just be sure to keep this plant away from dogs and cats as it can be toxic for them. Although livestock like sheep, goats, and cattle love eating any extra kī leaves or stems you may have! If you would like to cultivate this plant, simply cut down a kī stalk and cut the stem into short segments. Let the stems produce some roots in a bucket of water and then stick them in the ground and water to establish.
Tī plants are extremely versatile, which is why you can find them growing everywhere. Traditionally, kī plants are thought to have divine power both in dispelling evil and attracting good fortune. So, kī were often mass planted around residences and spiritual structures. The steamed root could be eaten straight, fermented to create ʻōkolehao (Hawaiian brandy spirit), or boiled to have as a laxative. Fresh ti leaf is often used as a food wrapper for steaming or roasting. However, there were numerous uses for ti leaf: hula attire, house thatching, rain capes, sandals, plates, fishnets, whistles, sleds, and more! Especially in modern times, kī is used in floral arrangements and decorations at parties and parades.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Cultural significance
- Edible
- Hedge
- Indoor plant
- Medicinal
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Specimen
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
