ˌmyülənˈbekēə noun
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from H. G. Mühlenbeck died 1845 Alsatian physician + New Latin -ia
: a genus of somewhat woody erect or climbing plants (family Polygonaceae) that are native to temperate parts of the southern hemisphere, have small opposite leaves or leaves replaced by cladophylls, and are sometimes grown as ornamentals or ground covers in mild regions