Red Ti Leaf/ "Ki"

Description:

Large, smooth, shiny leaves sprout from a skinny, rough, brown stem. This plant stands upright and grow from 0.3 to 3 meters tall. Ovular leaves generally appear from the top of the wood-like stem and can grow up to two feet long. This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but can be torn up by the harsh winds of valley regions.

Habitat:

This plant is indigenous, brought to Hawaii by Polynesian travelers for good luck. The plant is commonly found in the lower, sea-level environments. When planted in uplandmountain regions, leaves can be shredded and torn due to their thin layers as well as the harsh winds of the valleys. This plant was found on the upper part of Makakilo but can also be found by the boys dorms on the Kamehameha Kapalama campus.

Notes:

The root of this plant can ease coughs and throat-related illnesses. The plant can also be used to nurse inflamed tissue, various infections (by boiling) and internal hemorrahging. The roots make a special drink that was kapu (tabu), and only given to the ali‘i (chiefs) in moderation. Hawaiians used the plant's leaves to wrap herbs, foods and as an extra layer when baking foods. When cooking foods in an imu (Hawaiian underground oven), the leaves are wrapped around squid, fish or other meats to make laulau or squid/fish lu‘au.