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Excerpts from Jim Conrad's
Naturalist Newsletter
from the February 13, 2011 Newsletter issued from Hacienda Chichen Resort beside Chichén Itzá Ruins, central Yucatán, MÉXICO; limestone bedrock, elevation ~39m (~128ft), ~N18.52°, ~W95.15°
"PINK SISTER" HAWAIIAN TI
A potted plant lots of visitors to Hacienda Chichén ask about because it's so pretty -- especially when its leaves glow in late afternoon sun -- is shown below:
That's the Hawaiian Ti, the Ti pronounced as if it were "Tea," CORDYLINE TERMINALIS. The genus Cordyline is usually assigned to the Agave Family. The Hawaiian Ti is native to eastern Asia and Polynesia but is planted and used as a potting plant throughout the world because of its pretty leaves. Because of its popularity numerous cultivars have been developed from the wild stock. I think the one in the picture must be the most popular, "Pink Sister."
About a year ago we featured here another Ti Plant, a larger, palm-tree-like species, Cordyline fruticosa, which you might enjoy comparing at www.backyardnature.net/yucatan/ti-plant.htm.