ribbonwood \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun 1.: a New Zealand shrub or small tree (Hoheria populnea) of the family Malvaceae having bark that is used for cordage and a profusion of small snow-white flowers in close axillary clusters — called also houhere 2.: ribbon tree 3.West: a small tree or shrub (Adenostoma sparsifolium) related to the chamiso