We received ti logs from family members for Christmas. My husband, Makahanohano, grew up knowing that ti was somehow sacred to Hawaiians (we wrap ti leaves around pebbles and leave them on the ground at the entry to haiaus, kapu places or black sand beaches...) but he does not know how ti became a part of Hawaiian lore. Can you provide Mainland (east San Gabriel Valley) growing instructions as well as insight into the intriguing history of the ti plant? Mahalo.

-- Carol Stoney Iponani Bautista (bautiscr@sce.com), January 11, 1999

Answers

Here's a site for history and lore (http://www.hawaii-nation.org/ canoe/ki.html) and here's one for growing (http://www.vg.com/vg/ timelife/cg/Books/E06/Html/E06033X%2Ehtml). Hope this helps 8))

-- Roy Inouye (roy@bothi.com), January 21, 1999.

Cordyline, meaning club, describes its large, fleshy, clublike roots. Polynesians call it ti, but in Hawaiian it is known as ki. It was brought to Hawaii from the original voyagers. Although ti is not toxic, it is not used for consumption. Pacific Islanders have long used ti for cooking though, as sort of a foil wrapping to heat the consumables within. It is also used medicinally and for spiritual purposes. Ti is an erect, woody, evergreen plant that can grow to 12 feet or more in height. It loves moist, cool wind-free climates but can adapt to varying situations. Keep it well-watered and it should do well although severe cold will damage or kill it.

-- Kunane Leigh (kunane@nursrey.com), January 23, 1999.