The ti plant (cordyline) is said to be good luck
in the Hawaiian culture. Fisherman place ti leaves on their boats
to ensure a safe journey. The use of the ti leaves in the Hawaiian
culture are multiple-- hula dancer's skirts are made of woven ti
leaves, ti leaf leis are popular gifts for special ocassions, and
Hawaiian foods such as a lau lau are steamed in ti leaves.
Many
tropical decorative themes include theses leaves as well.
The ti flower has many tiny lilac blossoms, which later are followed
by white and red berries. A border of ti plants surrounding a
house is said to ward off evil and bring good luck. The ti leaf
originated in Asia and the Pacific. The beautiful multi-colors
of red, green, pink, and purple make this a popular landscaping
choice.
