Family: Polygonaceae

Muehlenbeckia platyclada (centipede plant, tapeworm plant or ribbonbush), is a mound-forming shrub with both spreading and climbing tendencies native to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It is distinguished by and cultivated for its flattened, ribbon-like stems that give it a jointed appearance and its common names. It is reported to be naturalized on Oahu and Hawaii island as well as other tropical regions where cultivated and is believed to be spread by birds and other animals. Despite its ability to escape cultivation, no negative impacts have been documented to date, and it continues to be it is valued as an ornamental curiosity in the Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives and capable of spreading in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, and potentially naturalizing on Hawaii Island, and naturalized in other locations where cultivated
  
• Other Muehlenbeckia species can become weedy or invasive
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Sometimes climbing, and potentially smothering growth habit (although usually described as a shrub in the Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Reproduces by seeds and cuttings.
  
• Fleshy fruits and seeds presumably capable of dispersal by birds
  
• Spread through intentional cultivation
  
• Rejuvenates rapidly after pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite ability to spread, this plant is valued as a landscaping plant, and as an ornamental curiosity, and no negative impacts have been documented in the Hawaiian Islands or elsewhere
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic