Kī or Tī

Description:

Kī or Tī is a the member of the lily family. It almost looks like a group of long, stalky freshly green leaves on a thin and easily breakable stem or stick. It has brought together, light or dark green, oval and blade-shaped leaves. The stem is almost like a tree trunk for a tree, but smaller and not as dark of a brown color. It also doesn't have bark. The leaf was about 4 inches wide and varied from 1 to 2 feet long. It was a fast growing woody plant. It reaches from 3 to 12 feet high.

Habitat:

Kī is found throughout the tropical Pacific and Southeast Asia. It is usually on sea level in the lower wetlands. Shady moist gardens are also places where Kī is found. This Kī was found on Akimala Street, Kaneohe.

Notes:

It is believed that Kī or Tī could of been originally from tropical Asia or Australia. The Kī was also a symbol of good luck. People of Hawai`i today still plant it around their homes and churches for good luck. In the old Hawaiian cultural days, Ki was planted around the lo`i or taro ponds. It is an emblem of high rank and or divine power.