The Ti Plant and Its Leaves
A look at its many uses
Ti, or also known as Ki or Lā’ī, leaves are one of the most essential symbols of Hawaii and Hawaiiana. This plant, Cordyline terminalis, Cordyline fruticosa, and other varieties are part of the lily family and are seen all over the islands of Hawai'i. Many local residents plant Ti around their hale (houses) because of its diversity of uses. The most common uses today are for its uses with food and making adornments. These uses were not far from the historical uses of Ti leaves, but a deeper exploration provides richness to its representation of the Hawaiian people.

Over 2000 years ago, Ti plants were introduced by ancient Polynesian voyagers. Since then, these plants have been intertwined with Hawaiian mysticism. A fundamental element of this spiritualism is mana, universal life force. It exists in all beings, places and things and is especially abundant in Ti leaves. It contains oils which have the capacity to hold a great amount of mana and thus great potential for power. By wearing ti leaf adornments, this life force was used by kahunas and the ali’i to fuel their charisma and leadership.

Watch Kumu Mark's Hana Lima episode, Lau Ki: Boning & Drying.

Personal mana, one’s own store of mana, is limited but can be gathered through its interaction with the environment and other things that possess mana. Healing kahuna knew how to gather this life force from Ti leaves and direct its energy to a specific purpose. By energizing themselves, kahunas have more physical and mental vigor to heal others. These leaves were indispensable tools for spiritual and healing work. One specific medicinal use was using the cooling effects of its “plastic-coated” leaves to alleviate headaches.

Its vigor of mana was also used for protection.  It was planted around homes and temples to ward off evil spirits and other negative energy. Blessing ceremonies for the home or other places of establishment consisted of a Ti leaf used to sprinkle an infusion of 'olena and water around the establishment. Although it is planted around many homes for protection, it is unadvisable to keep a Ti plant in your bedroom because of its mana; it may prevent you from falling asleep.

AHA dancer performs wearing a pā’ū lā’ī at the 2006 San Francisco Aloha Festival

Like other cultivated plants of Hawai'i, Ti plants are representations of Hawaiians' aloha ‘āina, 'the love of the land,' and their efficient usefulness. Archaeologic evidence shows that there was no other Polynesian culture like the Hawaiians, who developed such a sophisticated tradition of planting, cultivating, and harvesting. Many Ti plant varieties have been developed by Hawaiians and were harvested for domestic uses such as thatch, sandals, bandages, raincoats, fly whisks, and rope.

Ti leaves were used to wrap a variety of things. The kahuna used these leaves to wrap their feet in preparation of fire-walking. Offerings to temples and gods were wrapped in Ti leaves. Foodstuff is often wrapped with Ti leaves for cooking, storing, and serving. Other historic uses include the Ti leaf trumpet of the menehune, desserts and a type of brandy out of its roots.

Lastly, stalks of Ti are used to represent peace and truth. In a world of social unrest, this use may be the most important today. Ti leaves have many uses from the most mundane to the highest of spiritual realms.  The next time you see a hula pā’ū lā’ī, Ti lei, or food wrapped in ti, look beyond the physicality of the leaves and discover the richness and wisdom of Hawaiians through this living icon.  

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Berney, Charlotte. (2001). Fundamentals of Hawaiian Mysticism. Freedom, CA. The Crossing Press.
Heckman, Marsha. (2003). Lei Aloha. Waipahu, Hawai’i. Island Heritage Publishing.
Kane, Herb. (1997). Ancient Hawai’i. Captain Cook, Hawai’i. The Kawainui Press.
Kepler, Angela. (1997). Hawai’i’ s Floral Splendor. Honolulu, Hawai’i. Mutual Publishing.
Morrell, Rima. (2005). The Sacred Power of Huna: Spirituality and Shamanism in Hawai’i. Rochester, Vermont. Inner Traditions.