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Ribbon Bush Wikimedia Commons
Polygonaceae

Ribbon Bush

Homalocladium platycladum

Flexibility and uniqueness.

Family
Polygonaceae
Genus
Homalocladium
Native to
Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
Evergreen shrub
Height
1-3 meters
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Well-drained
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
9-11
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • The flat ribbon-like stems photosynthesize instead of the tiny scale-like leaves that quickly drop off.
  • It is also known as the centipede plant or tapeworm plant due to the segmented appearance of its stems.
  • The tiny flowers grow directly on the edges of the flat stems, an unusual arrangement in the plant kingdom.
  • After flowering, it produces small ornamental pink to purple berries along the stem margins.
  • It belongs to the buckwheat family, making it a relative of rhubarb and sorrel.

Color meanings

0

Adaptability

1

Curiosity

2

Unusual beauty

Uses

  • Ornamental
  • Curiosity plant
  • Container gardening
  • Indoor plant