Tī or Kī

Description:

The tī is a plant cultivated throughout Polynesia. Itʻs a woody plant that can grow up to 4m tall, with leaves 20-60 cm long, and stems 5-10 centimeters long. It creates small scented yellowish or red flowers that eventually mature into red berries. Itʻs native to southeastern Asia, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, northeastern Australia, islands in the Indian Ocean, and parts of Polynesia. Itʻs not native to Hawai‘i or New Zealand, but was introduced by Polynesian settlers. It is a popular ornamental plant that can either have green or purple foliage.

Habitat:

This particular tī was found on Moekolu St., Wai‘anae. Its natural habitat is at sea level and lower wetlands.

Notes:

It has sweet starchy rhizomes when matured and these rhizomes can be eaten as food or medicine. It's leaves were often used to thatch roofs on houses or to wrap and store food. Leaves were also used to make clothing items including skirts worn in dance performances. The Hawaiian hula skirt is dense with a layer of at least 50 green leaves. In ancient Hawai‘i, the plant was believed to have spiritual power and only kahuna (high priests) and ali‘i (chiefs) could wear the leaves around the neck during ritual practices. Tī leaves were also used to make lei and often planted around the home to ward off evil spirits. To this day, some Hawaiians plant Tī near houses for good luck. They can also be used for lava sledding, covering surfboards, and as a diuretic. In Hawai‘i, tī rhizomes are fermented and distilled to make okolehao, a liquor.