The ki (Cordyline terminalis) known today as ti leaves, has tall branches that grow from 3-10 feet tall. The top of the leaf is pointed and blade shaped. They have thick, shiny leaves that last for a long time before wilting.

It has broad flat leaves that overlap each other. Another type of ti will develop red or yellow berries. The ti leaf grows closed, but then as it grows it unfurls(opens).

The ti has many uses. The leaves are used for thatching, wrapping of food, as dishes, rain capes, foot wear, pa`u (hula skirts), feed for livestock such as cattle and horses, they can be made into leis, covering luau tables, floral arrangements, wrapping of herbs needed to be baked, covering for people who have fevers, damp leaves used to take away headaches, and a tea from ti is used to make muscles and nerves relax

During ancient Hawaiian days, the ti could be found growing near taro patches. Today it grows best where they can get plenty of sunlight and moisture. It can also be found growing on the edges of woods and wet, open forests.