TI

Pinyin di, also called ti-tzu, Pinyin dizi in music, transverse (or side-blown) bamboo flute of the Han Chinese. The name once applied to end-blown (hsiao) flutes as well but is now used strictly for transverse flutes. Ti traditionally have a membrane of bamboo or reed tissue covering the hole that is located between the mouth hole and the six finger holes. This membrane creates a distinctive sound characteristic of much Chinese flute music. An additional two or more end holes act as an aid for the expulsion of air. The ti as it is now known probably dates from about the 3rd century BC, though some form of transverse flute is believed to have existed as early as the 9th century BC. Ti have a two-octave range, and complete modern sets can be purchased in Western tunings. There are many varieties of traditional lengths and construction. in botany, any of the tropical trees and shrubs of the genus Cordyline of the family Liliaceae, native to Asia and some Pacific islands. Many are grown as ornamental plants. Ti, or ti tree (C. australis), is sometimes sold as C. indivisa or Dracaena australis. In the wild it is a tree up to about 12 metres (40 feet) tall with a crown of long leaves, but it is much shorter when grown as a houseplant. It also is known as tuft tree, or cabbage tree, because of its rosette of leaves. It has green or white flowers and thick roots. The fruit is a berry. Other species, especially C. terminalis, also are cultivated as ornamentals; many horticultural varieties with colourful leaves have been developed. The underground stems of some species are used for food and the long leaves for roofing material and clothing.