IT was a plant whose reputation preceded it. An aggressive woody climber, it was known to produce small white flowers in bunches. Both attractive and imbued with medicinal properties, there were high expectations that it would be a notable performer.
But months passed and the Embelia ribes, the plant’s botanical name, showed no sign of activity. It lay dormant and didn’t bother to bestir itself even a little.
Its inert behaviour was surprising given its record as a fast and robust mover. The plant had been. . .