ti (ki)
Ti or
ki is a shrub. It produces
leaves that are 1-2 feet in length. Leaf color varies from green to deep purple. The
purple color is due to pigments in the Epidermis.
Ki is a monocot and its leaves have many parallel veins which show up best on red leaves. Many veins are concentrated in the center of the leaf. This constitutes a midrib.
The Leaves were used for many purposes. They were worn for hula and served as rain-cloaks. They were also used for thatch and occasionally for sandals. They were also involved in cooking.
 Top surface of a green ti leaf: Note the Parallel Venation and the Midrib.  |
 Lower Surface of a red ti leaf |
| Part of a ti Leaf Blade stained with Toluidine Blue: Each Vascular Bundle is associated with Fibers (stained blue). These provide strength to the leaf. The Photosynthetic Ground Tissue is homogenous with little cell differentiation. |
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| Ti Midrib stained with Toluidine Blue: Each Vascular Bundle is surrounded by many Fibers which have stained positively (blue) for Lignin. The Fibers make the midrib very strong and capable of supporting the leaf blade. |
