Ki

Kī, or ti, is native to Australia and Asia. It is a very versatile plant that was used as food, medicine, clothing and shelter for the early Polynesian voyagers to Hawai`i. The green Kī in particular was known for its great spiritual power. There are around 20 varieties of Kī spread across all the islands, except Kaho`olawe.

Depending on the variety, Kī plants can grow up to 10' high, the leaves clustered on a tall stalk. The edible, sweet taproot grows larger with age. The dark green variety of Kī has oval-shaped leaves that can grow between 1'-2' long and 4" wide. The waxy surface of the leaf is important to its self-regulating system of preserving its water. Underneath the leaf is a prominent midrib. On the tip of the 1' long panicle, in the spring small pastel colored flowers bloom revealing star-shaped florets.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Early Hawaiians believed that the ti leaf plant had great spiritual power, which meant that only kahuna (high priests) and ali`i (chiefs) were allowed to wear Kī leaves around their necks during certain rituals
• Kī was traditionally planted at the four corners of a home or building, to outline borders between properties and to keep the area safe spiritually
• Fermented Kī rhizomes were distilled to make okolehao, a liquor
• Leaves were used for fever or wrapping food
• Young shoots and leaves were boiled as a decongestant