Ti is a Polynesian plant, Cordyline fruticosa(fruticose:shrub). Known as Ki in Hawaii. In old Hawaii, ti was culturally important. It played a major part in the evolution of kahili (royal standards). A messenger between chiefs would announce the end of war by bearing a ti-leaf flag aloft like a kahili. Ti leaf was a sign of respect to high rank and divine power. Huts dedicated to Lono were bordered and thatched with ti leaves.
The leaves were made into whistles, house thatch, raincoats, sandals and more recently into hula skirts. They serve as plates and wrappers for food (laulau) and as fodder for horses and cattle. During hukilau fishing, dry ti leaves are fastened to long drag nets to drive the fish to shallow waters.
Laulau need to steam 4-6 hours. Wrap fish, chicken and other meat in taro leaves in a bundle then wrap the bundle in ti leaves. Ti leaves and taro leaves are used as wrapper.
| Kingdom | Plantae – Plants |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta – Vascular plants |
| Superdivision | Spermatophyta – Seed plants |
| Division | Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants |
| Class | Liliopsida – Monocotyledons |
| Subclass | Liliidae – |
| Order | Liliales – |
| Family | Liliaceae – Lily family |
| Genus | Cordyline Comm. ex R. Br. – cordyline |
| Species | Cordyline fruticosa (L.) Chev. – tiplant |