Muehlenbeckia platycada

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Muehlenbeckia platycada (F. Muell.) Meisn.

Common Name: Centipede Plant
Family: Polygonaceae
Vernacular Names: Ribbonbush – English., Pazhutharakolli – Tamil., Pazhutharakolli – Malayalam
Synonyms: Calacinum platycladum (F. Muell.) J.F.Macbr., Coccoloba platycada F.Muell.ex Hook.., Polygonum platycladum F. Muell., Sarcogonum platycladum (F.Muell.) Voss.
Plant Description: M. platycladum is a evergreen shrub with flattened, jointed green stems and arrow shaped leaves. Flowers are short-lived and compact. Leaves dark green, elongated, flattened alternately arranged on a flat stem. Flowers tiny, white to light pink.
Distribution and Habitat: M. platycladum is native to the tropical regions of the Pacific including South and North America.
Uses:
Medicinal Uses: Leaves of the plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions including inflammation, pain and poisoning.
Ornamental Plant: The plant can be used as a ground cover, climber or shrub. It can be grown outdoors or as a houseplant and in hanging baskets.