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Products > Homalocladium platycladum   Homalocladium platycladum - Ribbon Bush, Tapeworm Plant   [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Polygonaceae (Knotweeds) Origin: Pacific Islands Flower Color: Green Bloomtime: Fall/Winter Synonyms: [Muehlenbeckia platyclados] Height: 4-8 feet Width: 6-8 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Irrigation Req.: Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F Homalocladium platycladum (Ribbon Bush, Tapeworm Plant) - This unusual upright growing shrub comes from the Solomon Islands. It grows to 4 to 8 feet tall (even taller with support) with long wands of flat leafless stems that are 1/2 inch wide and jointed at nodes, giving the stem the look of a measuring tape. Older stems are more rounded. The leaves which are 1 to 2 inches long only occur on new growth. In the late fall through winter are borne the small greenish white flowers in the stem joints which can be followed by red fruits (reportedly edible but not tasty). Plant in full sun or shade but it will look better and is darker green with protection from the hot sun. It can take regular irrigation and is surprisingly drought tolerant. It is hardy and evergreen to about 25° F but can resprout from the base if it is damaged at lower temperatures. This is a curiosity plant that draws attention from its unusual flattened stems. It makes an interesting specimen in large pots.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.