Family: Polygonaceae

This unusual, tropical evergreen shrub from the Solomon Islands is usually leafless when in flower. It has stalkless clusters of small, greenish flowers and triangular-shaped, hard, dry fruits enclosed by a large, deep reddish purple calyx. This plant is grown for its foliage, rather than its flowers, which are not showy.

Species

H. platycladum, centipede or tape-worm plant, or ribbon bush, grows 2-3 m (6-10 ft) in cultivation but twice as tall in its habitat. It produces fiat, jointed stems, the tiny greenish flowers appearing in clusters at alternate joints.

Cultivation

Grow in a warm greenhouse or con­servatory, or as a house plant, in frost-prone cli­mates. It is unlikely to flower when pot grown. Use soil-based potting compost and provide good light, but shade from strong sun. Propagate from cuttings (stem sections) in summer, in a heated propagating case.

Climate

At least zone 10.