I'm trying to find a large,full grown Cordyline Terminalis, better know as the Ti plant. I'm interested in harvesting the root to make an old Hawaiian liquor called Okolehao. I live in California and will travel to pick one up.

Hi there Keith,

Just to let you know the plant you are after is no longer called Cordyline terminalis. Although a lot of literature still refers to the Ti plant as Cordyline terminalis, this name is obsolete and now invalid. The correct name is Cordyline fruiticosa.

Cheers
Kristy

Hi Keith

Have you checked out http://www.alohatropicals.com. I believe they are at Oceanside CA.

For our members who maybe interested in this spirit derived from the cordyline root go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okolehao for a very interesting read.

Thanks for the information about the scientific name change. I can now better search for the right plant when I talk to nurserys.

I've talked to Aloha Tropicals but they sell small plants and I'd like to get a large mature one. They offered me an over potted 7' plant, but they want $250 for it!

It's easy to find Draceanas here - they sell them at department/chain stores. But Cordylines are hard to find. I don't know why.

I'm asking all my friends who have relatives in Hawaii if they can get get some plants for me. I know I can't get them thru agricultural inspection, but I would try dehydrating the root into chips and ship them thru as a snack.

No Probs Keith. $250 seems extremely steep! We have a number of members from the States... so hang in there. Have you had this drink before or are you experimenting?

I haven't had the real version of okolehao. There was a company that up until about 2000 was selling a whisky flavored version, but not since the '60 has any commercial version been made. Many tropical drink fans consider oko the holy grail of liquors because old recipies require it. Anyone who could get some would be very happy. It's supposed to have a very unique taste.