The origins of Hoya plant
The Hoya plant, also known as waxplant, waxvine, or waxflower, has an interesting history. Let’s explore its origins:
Discovery and Collection:
Hoya was first discovered by European botanists during expeditions to Southeast Asia in the early 1800s.
The first recorded specimens of Hoya were collected in the Philippines in 1791(1).
Genus Name:
The genus name Hoya was given by the Scottish botanist Robert Brown in honor of his friend, botanist Thomas Hoy (2).
Geographic Distribution:
Most Hoya species are native to several countries in Asia, including the Philippines, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Polynesia, and New Guinea.
Additionally, many Hoya species are found in Australia (2).
Characteristics:
Hoyas are evergreen perennial creepers or vines, often growing epiphytically on trees.
They have thick, waxy leaves arranged in an opposite pattern.
The exquisite flowers, resembling molten wax, emit a sweet fragrance and attract bees.
Flower colors range from white to pink, with some species exhibiting yellow, orange, or dark red hues (2).
Cultivation:
Hoya has been grown as both indoor and outdoor potted plants for several hundred years.
Its unique appearance and resilience make it a beloved choice for plant enthusiasts (3).
