Ti Plant

Description:

This ti plant was of average size, being approximately five feet in height. The main stem of the ti was fairly flexible, and its textured surface was covered with ridges that encircled the stem. The leaves varied slightly in color and size, though were all shaped similarly—flat and smooth, widening from the stem and then tapering into points at the ends. The older leaves were distinguishable, as they were colored with yellows and browns while the younger leaves were a more vibrant green. The younger leaves were also narrower, in comparison to the older leaves, which were broader. The leaves grew in clusters from different areas of the stem.

Habitat:

The ti was spotted in the grassy area outside of the first floor of the Pauahi Administrative building, which is located at the Kamehameha schools campus in Kapālama, Oʻahu. Multiple ti plants were observed in this area, and grew in a row alongside a railing.

Notes:

The ti is a plant that was originally introduced to the Hawaiian islands by early Polynesians. Traditionally, its leaves were used as food containers, or to wrap food that was being cooked in an imu (underground oven). Ti plants were also used medicinally; its leaves could be layed upon an area of pain, and then hot stones placed upon that in order to soothe aching muscles.