Volume 3, Issue #2 - Cubits

Stemma 

Volume 3, #2 Spring, 2009 

1

3 Editor's Note 

contents 

4 Talking with the experts by Antone Jones 

12 A look at Hoya sections- part 4 by Mark Randal 

29 Reprint: Hoya manipurensis Deb (as Micholitzia obcordata N.E. Br.) 

31 Source Materials 

32 Appendix A MR 

33 Back Page: Hoya sp. AH-240 MR 

Editor: Mark Randal 

Editor of Dischidia Content: Antone Jones 

Technical Consultant: Bobby Fisher 

Stemma Godmother: Carol Noel 

Availability: Downloads of this and past issues are available at the Stemma website: 

www.stemmajournal.com 

The official Stemma forum is online at: 

www.http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/thestemmaforum 

Posting Stemma for download on unauthorized sites is prohibited. 

Usage Policy: Stemma may be distributed freely as a whole by private individuals, but 

content and photos remain the intellectual property of the individual contributor and may 

not be reproduced separately. Use of any portion of Stemma (including photographic 

content) for commercial gain is strictly prohibited. 

© Stemma Magazine 2009 

2

Editor’s Note 

The Stemma website has evolved a wide and 

growing collection of photographs of species and cultivars of Hoya and Eriostemma. Click on 

the Hoya or Eriostemma gallery at our homepage: 

http://www.stemmajournal.com 

It is hoped that in time this will become a comprehensive resource for research and plant 

identification. I invite you to check in from time to time to see our progress and view the images, 

contributed by many Hoya aficionados and researchers from around the world. Please feel free 

to send in photographs of species or cultivars we have not added yet, or alternate photographs of 

covered species. Send any contributions to the editor at: 

markroy68@yahoo.com 

The Stemma forum also has grown, and features taxonomic discussions, images of blooming 

plants, cultivation discussions, and images of new species recently brought into cultivation or 

growing in the wild: 

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/thestemmaforum/ 

This issue concludes a four part article on subdivisions (sections or species complexes) within 

the genus Hoya. With our next issue, Stemma will shift focus slightly to present more material 

on Hoya, Dischidia and Eriostemma cultivation. A series of articles from various growers, highlighting 

some of their favorite species, will begin in that issue. 

I would here like to thank a number of people for their input or contributions to the Hoya sections 

article. 

Torill Nyhuus and Jeanette Karlsen, editors of Hoyatelegrafen, the bulletin of the Swedish 

Hoya Society, have generously allowed Stemma the use of photographs from the SHS website 

(http://www.swedishhoyasociety.com/eng/hoya.htm) and from their personal collections. 

Dale Kloppenburg provided input on the initial entry for this series in which the morphological 

features of Hoya species were described. Mr. Kloppenburg also generously allowed the free use 

of many of his microphotographs of Hoya pollinaria. 

Michele Rodda provided criticism of my handling of the taxonomy and nomenclature of the 

various sections and complexes described here. 

Surisa Somadee provided many photographs of her own and facilitated the use of some from 

her Thai language forum: http://www.thailandhoyaclub.com. n 

3

Talking with the experts 

By Antone Jones 

Living in central Florida has its perks. This part of the state has a large concentration 

of nurseries, many of which grow Hoya and Dischidia. None, however, grow them quite 

like one nursery in particular: Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses. Most will know this 

company by their trademark, “Exotic Angel” plants. I had the wonderful opportunity to 

speak to one of Hermann Engelmann’s location managers about their fantastic Hoya and 

Dischidia. 

What’s your name and what do you do here? 

“My name is Jayson Opgenorth and I am the head grower for Hermann Engelmann 

Greenhouses in Apopka, Florida, and am also in charge of general quality control 

for the company. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Horticulture 

in 1992.” 

How long have you worked for Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses? 

“16 years.” 

How many different Hoya and Dischidia does the company grow? 

“Approximately 18 Hoyas and around 7 Dischidia.” 

4

How long has the company been growing Hoyas? How about Dischidia? 

“Hoyas since the beginning, 36 years ago and Dischidias began about 5 years ago.” 

What was the first Hoya that the company grew and released to the public? 

“36 years ago we began to grow Hoya carnosa compacta (Hindu rope) , Hoya carnosa 

compacta ‘Regalis’, Hoya carnosa compacta ‘Mauna Loa’, Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson 

Princess’ (Rubra) and Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ (tricolor). I would not say we 

released them as many came from the breeder Cobia, and since the patents have run 

out, we simply use Rubra, Tricolor, Rope and other names. The first Hoya we actually 

“released” to the public is Hoya lacunosa ‘Snow caps’ which we know is a made 

up name and not recognized by any authority, but that is what we call it.” 

Hoya compacta ‘Regalis’ 

5

There has been a lot 

of buzz over Hoya lacunosa 

“Snow Caps.” 

Where did that plant 

originate? 

“This is a beautiful 

plant. We simply 

found one vine out of 

thousands that had a 

chlorophyll-deficient 

chimera. We selected 

it, continued to grow 

and reselected until 

it was stable. This is 

a nice addition to 

our Hoya mix.” 

Hoya lacunosa ‘Snow Caps’ 

What are some species that you’ve tried that didn’t work out in the long run? What about 

them didn’t work out? 

“Hoya multiflora is the first one that comes to mind. It simply grew too big too fast 

and did not have the right growth structure for a hanging basket in our opinion. We 

also tried Hoya carnosa ‘Marlea’ and found it to be too unstable.” 

6

Of the Exotic Angel Hoya and Dischidia that you grow, which is your personal favorite 

and why? 

“Hoya linearis simply due to the challenge of growing a perfect specimen. It is a real 

accomplishment to bring these to marketable size, and to my knowledge no other 

commercial greenhouse produces it large scale. Dischidia nummularia ‘Pebble 

beach’ is my favorite Dischidia that we grow. It has such unique color and shaped 

foliage and is a very versatile plant. It can be mounted or grown in soil. Our 8.0 

hanging basket provides a little too much soil for this species, so you must be careful 

with over watering.” 

Hoya linearis Stock Plants 

7

Hoya linearis 

8

Dischidia nummularia ‘Pebble Beach’ 

9

Often times we hear that people have watering issues with some Exotic Angel hanging 

baskets. Usually they find that these plants rot. What’s shocking is that here in the facility, 

these plants look fantastic and they are started here from cuttings to finished plant. Do 

you have any ideas as to why people are having these experiences? 

“This is probably due to our soil being engineered to withstand the shipping process 

and also to hold up at retail level. We are currently working on a new mix that will 

provide more pore space, yet maintain acceptable water holding capacity. This new 

soil has proven to provide our plants with an exceptional advantage and provide 

proper delivery of water, nutrients and oxygen to the rhizosphere. We will begin to 

use the new soil this Spring and although it may appear similar, the components and 

chemistry have been retooled.” 

Where can we find these various Exotic Angel swinging baskets other than Home Depot 

and Lowes? 

“Our plants are also available in Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix grocery 

stores, and various other retail stores. You can also check www.exoticangel.com/shop 

for our online store highlighting various products that change all the time.” 

Are there any new releases for 2009? If so, what are they? 

“Yes, we have 2 more variants of Hoya lacunosa. One has a deep red or maroon leaf 

blade, especially on the newer growth, and a dark almost black stem and petioles. 

We have named this one 'Ruby Sue' and it has been released. We will introduce another 

variant of Hoya lacunosa that appears as a cross between the above mentioned 

maroon 'Ruby Sue' and 'Snow caps'. This one will knock your socks off, deep maroon 

leaf blades with the white speckles of 'Snow caps' complimented by black stem 

and petioles. We have named this one 'Royal Flush" and should be released it in our 

hanging baskets by late summer.” 

It was a great experience talking with Jayson about their Exotic Angel plants. I would like 

to thank Jayson and the entire Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses company for giving me 

some time to sit and speak with them. Seeing their impressive operation and the fantastic 

Hoya and Dischidia that they grow was an experience I’ll not soon forget. If you’d like to 

know more, please visit, www.exoticangel.com 

-Antone n 

10

Hoya lacunosa ‘Ruby Sue’ 

11

A look at 

Hoya sections 

Part 4 

by Mark Randal 

This is the fourth and final installment of the Stemma series exploring the groups (designated 

as “sections” or, less formally, as “species complexes”) of similar species within the genus 

Hoya. The species included in each of these groups share similarities of floral structure, and, to a 

lesser degree, vegetative parts. The species in each group also often share cultural preferences. 

Therefore a working knowledge of the Hoya sections can be useful to horticulturalists and collectors 

in providing a general idea of the physical form, scent, flower type, and cultivation needs 

of a given species, if that species can be assigned a place in the devised system of species complexes 

discussed in this four part article. 

Previous sections discussed in this series show numerous possible links to other sections, suggesting 

that there are broad lines of genetic divergence within Hoya that have resulted in similar 

groups which share some common morphological features. In this portion of the sections article 

five groups of like species are presented. Three of these groups are distinguished from the groups 

discussed previously in that they are very different from the vast majority of species grouped into 

the genus Hoya. They do not have morphological features which show obvious links to any 

other group discussed here, so that these groups suggest a widely divergent genetic line from the 

bulk of Hoya species. 

These three groups are sections Centrostemma and Antiostelma, and genus Eriostemma. Eriostemma 

was previously included within the genus Hoya as a section, and was listed in the first 

portion of this article as such. Eriostemma was elevated to genus rank by D. Kloppenburg & E. 

Gilding in 2001, but the publication has been widely criticized and deemed invalid by some 

sources. A closer look by this author found that the flaws indicated by some of these sources do 

not invalidate the publication of Eriostemma, nor are there any other obvious problems which 

would render this publication invalid. Due to its closely shared history with Hoya, Eriostemma is 

still presented here, though recognized as a separate genus. 

One section, Cystidianthus, is presented in this section of the article not because it shows no 

morphological links to the other sections already presented, but because it shows so many possible 

links to many other groups it would seem unwise to speculate about its possible affinities 

until further molecular testing is performed on the species associated with this taxon. 

One section, Kloiphora, was originally included here as it seemed to display no overt affinity 

with other Hoya sections, but recent research by this author, with input from Antone Jones, suggests 

a probable linkage of this group to section Otostemma. This speculation is corroborated by 

findings in the molecular studies conducted by Livia Wanntorp (2006a, 2006b). Therefore, section 

Kloiphora should have been included next to section Otostemma, in part one of this article. 

12

22: Section Cystidianthus (Hassk.) King & Gamble 

Etymology: “cystis” = “bladder”, Gr. + “anthos” = “flower”, Gr. 

Type species: Hoya campanulata Blume. 

Overall form: species grouped here can display a bushy, upright habit when young, but even young 

plants will also twine readily. Leaves are thin textured, medium to large, oval with a sharply pointed tip. 

Flowers are large, cup-shaped, cream or nearly white, and intensely fragrant. 

Distribution: Java, Sumatra, Malaysia. 

Publication: (as a genus) Hasskarl, J. K. 1843. Hoev. & De Vriese’s Tijdschrift voor Natuurlijke Geschiedenis 

en Physiologie 10: 125; (as a section) King, G. 1910 “Flora of the Malayan Peninsula”. Journal of 

the Royal Asiatic Society, Bengal Branch 74 (2): 559--563 

Original description: (translated from Latin by Dale Kloppenburg)“Calyx pentamerous. Corolla somewhat 

campanulate, shallowly 5 lobed, at first the lobes spreading, later reflexed. Corona of 5 segments, 

fused to the short gynostegium; corona segments fleshy, spreading, flattened with the lower margins inrolled, 

the exterior angle rising upward, interior produced into a tooth lying upon the anther. With the 

terminal membrane of the anther appressed to the stigma. Pollinia attached at the base, erect, oblong, 

flattened, here with an almost transparent margin. Stigma convex 5-sided blunt. With the seed pod solitary 

through abortion, elongate, cylindrical, smooth. Seeds harry-tufted. Shrubs of the Indian Archipelago 

with the general appearance of a Centrostemma. 

Revised descriptions: King, G. “in Flora of the Malayan Peninsula”- “Corolla rotate-campanulate; lobes 

very short, broader than long; corona processes with lower lobes spreading, upper erect.” 

Salient features: 

Pollinarium- pollinia are roughly three times as long as wide, and the ratio in size of the pollinia to the 

corpuscula are very similar to the those of the pollinaria of section Hoya and Hoya pottsii complex species. 

The caudicles, however, are quite large and broad, unlike those found in section Hoya or the H. 

pottsii complex, as are the translators, as is found in sections Acanthostemma and Otostemma. Both the 

caudicles and translators are attached low on the corpusculum side and quite long in comparison to 

those of most Hoya species. 

Corona- the corona segments are roughly horizontal on their upper surface, with the anther appendages 

exceeding the height of the corona lobe. Segments appear long-ovate from above, and have a furrow 

which runs the longitudinal length of each segment. 

Corolla- narrowly or flattened campanulate. 

Raceme- loosely convex. 

Species thought to belong in this section/complex: 

Hoya campanulata Blume (type) * Hoya wallichii (Wight) C. M. Burton* Hoya cystiantha Schltr. ** 

Hoya phyllura O. Schwartz 

* It is disputed whether one or two species are represented by the determinations now prevalent for H. 

wallichii and H. campanulata. 

** The name Hoya cystiantha may not be technically valid. 

13

Taxonomic considerations: The first grouping possibly incorporating a member of this group was R. 

Wight’s genus Physostelma (1834), which had as its type species Hoya wallichii. The publication of 

Wight’s Physostelma precedes the publication of Hasskarl’s genus Cystidianthus by nine years, and since 

both publications are thought by many botanists to deal with morphologically similar species (or possibly 

the same species, if H. wallichii is synonymous with H. campanulata, as some sources suggest 

[Kloppenburg, 1994]), genus Physostelma has precedence and would be considered the legitimate name 

for this grouping. However, Schlechter’s transfer of genus Physostelma into genus Hoya (1914) is rendered 

invalid by Art. 53.4 of the ICBN (International Code of Botanical Nomenclature), which states: 

“the names of two subdivisions of the same genus, or of two infraspecific taxa within the same species, 

even if they are of different rank, are treated as homonyms, the later of which is illegitimate, if they have 

the same or a confusingly similar final epithet and are not based on the same type.” 

Clearly, the name Physostelma is not able to be transfered into the genus Hoya as a section due to the 

previous publication of a section Physostemma Blume (1849), which has Hoya coriacea Blume as its type. 

The two names, Physostemma and Physostelma, are more than just similar, they are slightly different 

variations of the same greek words “physo” (bladder-like) and “stemma” or “stelma” (crown). The code 

prevents duplicate names of this sort in order to prevent the confusion of the taxa involved. Since the 

ICBN prevents the transfer of genus Physostelma into genus Hoya as a section, the newer name Cystidianthus 

would be the applicable name for this section, unless efforts were undertaken to conserve the 

name Physostelma, which would result in the valid inclusion in the infrageneric structure of Hoya the 

confusingly similar names Physostelma and Physostemma. 

There is a considerable amount of debate over the number of, and proper names for, the species which 

seem to belong in section Cystidianthus. Differing sources have the names H. campanulata and H. wallichii 

as synonyms or as distinct species, and some botanists believe that the true Hoya wallichii is a very 

different plant from the one presented here as H. wallichii so different that it would not belong grouped 

with the other campanulate species placed into Cystidianthus with H. campanulata. The plant sold most 

commonly as “Hoya cystiantha” is thought to have an invalid name by some sources, and H. phyllura 

has not been widely inspected for a consensus to emerge concerning its determination, due largely to its 

apparently very demanding cultivation requirements. 

Several botanists are working to clarify the standing of this group of species, so changes in species 

names or determinations are probable. 

14

15 

Section Cystidianthus. 

1) Hoya cystiantha (L) and 

Hoya wallichii (R) (photo 

courtesy of Ted Green and 

Green: Plant Research. 

2) Hoya wallichii (photo courtesy 

of Carol Noel). 

3) Hoya campanulata (photo 

courtesy of David Liddle). 

4) Hoya cystiantha (photo 

courtesy of David Liddle. 

5) Hoya phyllura (photo courtesy 

of David Liddle). 

6) Pollinarium of Hoya wallichii 

(photomicrograph courtesy 

of Dale Kloppenburg). 

7) Pollinarium of Hoya cystiantha 

(photo courtesy of Torill 

Nyhuus). 

8) Hoya phyllura (photo courtesy 

of David Liddle). 

9) Hoya campanulata (photo 

courtesy of David Liddle). 

10) Hoya wallichii (photo 

courtesy of Carol Noel).

23: Section Kloiphora King & Gamble 

Etymology: “chlamyd” (uncertain- no more probable root was found) = “cloak”+ “phorum” = “carrying”, 

Gr. 

Type species: Hoya curtisii King & Gamble. 

Overall form: Hoya curtisii is a small leaved epiphytic vine which climbs through use of adventitious 

roots and rarely or never twines. Leaves are about 1.5cm, rounded with a sharp tip, quite hard-textured. 

Flowers are medium sized, reflexed, pale greenish-white to yellow, and fragrant. Hoya waymaniae, 

which also may belong here, has medium sized leaves, also very hard, a scrambling, non-twining habit, 

and flat clusters of bright orange, ball-shaped flowers. 

Distribution: Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines. 

Publication: King, G. 1910. “Flora of the Malayan Peninsula”. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 

Bengal Branch 74 (2): 559--563 

Original description: “Corona-processes with lower lobe globose, hollow, laterally compressed; upper 

shorter-curved; corolla-tube with a broad annular ring (corolline corona?)”. 

Revised descriptions: none. 


Pollinarium- pollinia are elongate and club shaped, translators are fairly broad, not so pronounced as 

the translators of those species grouped in or around sections Acanthostemma or Otostemma. The corpuscula 

are relatively small and narrow compared to the pollinia. 

Corona- lobes appear approximately round from above, segments are tall, middle portions are excised, 

lower surfaces curve up and end in a point midway up the segment. 

Corolla- reflexed to revolute. 

Raceme- flat or loosely convex. 


Hoya curtisii King & Gamble (type) Hoya waymaniae D. Kloppenburg(?) 

Taxonomic considerations: Kloiphora has no apparent taxonomic problems associated with its publication 

or standing. 

Since the inception of this article, and thanks to the input of Antone Jones regarding similarities between 

the two species tentatively included in Kloiphora in this article and Hoya endauensis Kiew, a closer 

look was taken at these species by this author. 

Hoya endauensis, which was included in section Otostemma in part one of this article, does indeed 

share a very similar corolla structure with Hoya waymaniae, and while the corona of H. endauensis 

bears a close affinity to those coronas of section Otostemma species, with their characteristic coronal 

skirts, the pollinarium of H. endauensis shares features of both section Otostemma and section Kloiphora 

species pollinaria (the basic shape of Otostemma pollinia, the narrowness and relatively small 

size of the corpuscula of section Kloiphora species pollinaria). In looking closer at the Wanntorp (2006a, 

2006b) studies, which conducted molecular testing on a small sample of Hoya species, it appears that 

this author over-looked those studies’ results placing H. lacunosa Blume (in section Otostemma) and H. 

curtisii in the same clade, which suggests a close genetic relationship. In light of this, and considering 

the possibility that H. endauensis may represent a transitional species between these two sections, it appears 

that section Kloiphora should probably have been included near to section Otostemma in this article, 

rather than discussed in this portion of the article, which addresses complexes which are apparently 

more widely divergent genetic groups from the main body of Hoya species. 

16

Section Kloiphora. 1) Hoya curtisii. 2) Hoya curtisii (photo courtesy of Bob Ely). 

3) Hoya waymaniae. 4) Hoya waymaniae, side of corona segment. 5) Hoya waymaniae, 

corona. 6) pollinarium of Hoya waymaniae. 7) Pollinarium of Hoya curtisii (microphotograph 

courtesy of Dale Kloppenburg). 8) Hoya waymaniae. 9) Hoya curtisii (photo courtesy 

of Bob Ely). 

17

24: Section Centrostemma (Decne.) Bentham & Hook. f. 

Etymology: “centron” = “a sharp point”, Gr. + “stemma” = “crown”, Gr. 

Type species: Hoya multiflora Blume 

Overall form: these species are bushy, non-twining, mostly terrestrial plants with conspicuous large clusters of 

white, pointed, reflexed flowers sometimes tinged with pink, yellow or green. Flowers are mostly not strongly fragrant. 

Even small plants in this taxon seem to flower readily. 

Distribution: Thailand, Malaysia, western Indonesia. 

Publication: (as a genus) Decaisne, A. 1838. Annales des Sciences Naturelles; Botanique 9 (2): 271; (as 

a section) Bentham, G. & Hooker. J. D. 1876. Genera Plantarum 2: 776--777 

Original description: (as a genus) (translated from Latin by Dale Kloppenburg) “Calyx pentamerous. Corolla 

deeply divided into 5 reflexed lobes, with a prominent beard about the base of the gynostegium. Corona of 5 

stamens, attached at the upper part of the elongated gynostegium; corona segments fleshy, upright, depressed 

above, with the lower margins inrolled, at the base prolonged into a spreading or horn-like spur, at the apex 

narrowed into a tooth longer than the stigma. With the terminal membrane of the anther oppressed to the 

stigma. Pollinia affixed at the base, erect, oblong, compressed, here with a sub transparent margin. Stigma 

apiculate. Follicles single, elongate, cylindrical, smooth. Seed hairy-tufted. ---The climbing plant growing in 

the Indian Archipelago, the Moluccas and the Philippines with leaves opposite, leathery, somewhat veined, 

glabrous; with the many flowered umbels pedunculate between the petioles and terminal. With flowers often 

rather large, yellowish.” 

Revised descriptions: Bentham & Hooker. f. (1876), (as a section) (translated [poorly] from Latin by MR) 

“Corolla lobes narrow, staminal tube usually longer and interior angle of corona scale long, produced; these 

characters notwithstanding these (few or one) species are by no means a separate genus. Species from Silhet, 

corolla lobe equally narrow and scale-like, inside long produced...” 


Pollinarium- the pollinia are proportionally longer and narrower than those of the vast majority of Hoya 

species. The translators are narrow. The corpuscula are relatively very narrow and small. 

Corona- the inner corona lobe apex is raised high above the anther membranes, the outer apex is lowered. 

The base of the corona is modified into a tall staminal column. This structure is also found in genus Eriostemma, 

but in that genus the column is proportionally much broader than in Centrostemma species. 

Corolla- lobes are sharply reflexed, margins are revolute. 



Hoya multiflora Blume (type) Hoya javanica Boerl. H. sp. Cyrtoceras floribundum Maund 

Taxonomic considerations: The names Centrostemma and Cyrtoceras were published as genera in the same 

year, 1838. The publication of the name Centrostemma preceded that of the name Cyrtoceras by several months 

(Kloppenburg, 1994), so the name Centrostemma has priority. 

Genus Cyrtoceras was absorbed into genus Hoya by Bentham & Hooker f. (1876), with Centrostemma as a synonym. 

The name Centrostemma has priority, so it is not clear at this time whether this publication would serve to 

validly publish the name Centrostemma. If not, the 1994 work “Hoya Sections” by D. Kloppenburg should serve 

to validly re-rank the name Centrostemma. In the latter case, the citation would be changed to Centrostemma 

(Decne.) D. Kloppenburg. 

This taxon seems to be composed of several species, but more work is needed to define the boundaries of 

these taxa. 

18

Section Centrostemma. 1) Hoya sp. Cyrtoceras floribundum (photo courtesy of 

Gabi Rothman). 2) Hoya javanica (photo courtesy of David liddle). 3) Pollinarium of Hoya 

sp. Cyrtoceras floribundum (photo courtesy of Dale Kloppenburg). 4) Pollinarium of Hoya 

aff. javanica. 5) Hoya aff. javanica. 6) Hoya sp. Cyrtoceras floribundum. 7) Hoya multiflora 

(photo courtesy of David Liddle). 

19

25: section Antiostelma Tsiang & P. T. Li 

Etymology: “antio”= “opposite” L. (?) + “stelma” = “crown”, Gr. 

Type species: Hoya manipurensis Deb 

Overall form: H. manipurensis is a scrambling, non-twining epiphyte with small, heart-shaped, succulent 

leaves and small, tube-shaped, greenish-white flowers. H. telosmoides, also possibly belonging 

grouped into this section, is a twining epiphyte with small, urn-shaped white flowers with elongated, 

spreading corolla tips. 

Distribution: southern China, eastern India, Burma, Thailand (all H. manipurensis) & Borneo (H. telosmoides). 

Publication: (see Taxonomic considerations, below) (as a section) Acta Phytotax. Sin. 12(1): 126. 1974. 

Original description: (translated from Latin by Mark Randal) “similar to section Pterostelma (Wight), corolla 

cylindic, lobes erect twisting to the left, staminal corona erect margins recurved, pollinia almost 

subquadrate-ovate with a well distinguished pellucid margin at the base.” 

Revised descriptions: none. 


Pollinarium- pollina are rounded, slightly longer than wide, translators are narrow, corpuscula are relatively 

small. 

Corona- segments are laterally compressed, inner lobe is acute and erect, elevated high above the outer 

corona lobe apex. The anther apex is elongated and greatly exceeds the height of the inner corona lobe 

apex. 

Corolla- urceolate, densely pubescent on the inner surfaces. 



Hoya manipurensis Deb (type) Hoya telosmoides R. Omlor (?) 

Taxonomic considerations: This taxon was originally recognized as genus Micholitzia N. E. Brown 

(1909). This taxon was also published as Hoya section Antiostelma Tsiang & P. T. Li (1974) and as genus Antiostelma 

(Tsiang & P. T. Li) P. T. Li (1992). These later two publications were produced on the assumption that 

this group was an un-described genus, missing the earlier publication of Micholitzia. The two genus 

names were later reconciled under Micholitzia N. E. Brown by P. T. Li et al. (1994) (see the Reprint section 

on page 29 of this issue of Stemma). 

This taxon was taken back into the genus Hoya by Livia Wanntorp et al. (2007a) as a single species, 

under the name Hoya yuennanensis Hand.-Mazz. This name later proved to be unsupportable, and the 

name was then recognized as Hoya manipurensis Deb (Wanntorp, 2007b). 

Hoya telosmoides also shares several key features of corona and pollinaria morphology with Hoya manipurensis, 

and so may belong grouped into section Antiostelma. 

The name Antiostelma as a section may prove to be an invalid name, as Tsiang & Li’s publication of section 

and genus were later found to be synonymous with genus Micholitzia. The name Micholitzia, therefore, 

may be a more suitable name for this section. 

20

Section Antiostelma. 1) Hoya telosmoides (photo courtesy of Torill Nyhuus & the Swedish 

Hoya Society). 2) Corona of Hoya telosmoides (photo courtesy of Torill Nyhuus & the Swedish 

Hoya Society. 3) Corona of Hoya manipurensis & 5) details of the illustration of the pollinarium 

(lower left) and leaves and flowers (right) of Hoya manipurensis, as presented on pgs. 29-30 

of this issue). 4) Pollinarium of Hoya telosmoides (photo courtesy of Dale kloppenburg). 

21

26: genus Eriostemma (Schltr.) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding 

Etymology: “Erio” = “wooly”, Gr. + “stemma” = “crown”, Gr. 

Type species: Eriostemma coronaria (Blume) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding. 

Overall form: these species are rampant, twining lianas which have a terrestrial, rarely or never epiphytic, 

habit. Leaves are medium-sized, ovate-acute, pinnately veined, with no silver splotching. Except 

for the interior of the corollas and the upper coronas of these species, mostly all parts of the foliage and 

flowers are covered with dense to scattered hair. Flowers are large to giant-sized, thick, mostly rotate but 

occasionally reflexed (E. ciliata) or shallowly cup-shaped (E. lauterbachii), usually not strongly fragrant, 

ranging in color from white and pale green through pink and orange to dark brownish-red. 

Distribution: tropical Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines. 

Publication: (as a section) Schlechter, 1914. “Die Asclepiadaceen von Deutsch-Neu-Guinea”. 

Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie 50 (sup.): 81--164; 

(as a genus) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding. Fraterna 14(2). 2001. 

Original description: (translated from German by Dieter Paul & Dale Kloppenburg) “...the stems and 

leaves with all surfaces (parts) covered with short soft hairs; in other respects its blooms possess marked, 

sharp characteristics..... The gynostegium stands upon a column which goes down into the crown of the 

collar of the corolla which is covered with shaggy cottony hairs. The corona scales are comparatively 

short. The blooms are large or very large with a well developed, thickly hirsute calyx. Type species of 

the section is H. coronaria Blume.” 

Also, from the same publication: “I thought it best to present here this distinctive section Eriostemma. 

This section is so well and sharply different, that one could consider whether or not to regard it as a 

separate sub-genus. I have so far presented above briefly the main points, but now I wish to present 

them once again in more detail. In habit there is a strong similarity that can be found with EU-Hoya, but 

the branches are softer and more fleshy and consistently with more or less soft hairs. The peduncles are 

extraordinarily thick and soft textured, the calyx as with Pterostelma more strongly structured, and the 

large hairy blooms are likewise fleshy. The gynostegium with the corona scales stand upon a woolly matted 

column that is the outgrowth formed of the filaments, which are united with the corona tube. The 

pollinia are distinguished (marked) as opposed to the other Hoya species by means of the fact that the 

translators have undergone a strong development and exhibit a twist; also the retinaculum is rather large. 

The pollinia are more club shaped and moreover do not have the keel on the outer edge, characteristic 

of other Hoya sections.” 

22

Revised descriptions: Kloppenburg (2001): “This section is so distinctive and has so many sharp differences 

from other hoyas that it has been proposed to make it into a subgenus of Hoya (Schlechter) or 

even a distinct genus in its own right (Dr. Ken Hill). With this in mind the diagnostic features are as follows: 

1. Stems and leaves with soft short hairs 

2. Gynostegium stands on a column 

3. Column covered with shaggy cotton-like hairs 

4. Corolla with distinct collar 

5. Large flowers 

6. Thick hirsute calyx 

7. Branches soft and fleshy 

8. Peduncles extraordinarily thick and soft 

9. Flowers hairy and fleshy 

10. Pollinia club shaped with no pellucid border 

11. Translator arms long, twisted 

12. Retinaculum large” 

Kloppenbug & Gilding (2001): (as a genus) “Stems slightly fleshy, 3-10mm thick. All parts exude milky 

sap when injured. Leaves and stems covered with pubescence except in a few species, in which case the 

plant possesses a notable covering of indumentums on young growth but becomes glabrous when mature. 

Stems and the upper leaf surface are of the same color. No noticeable red pigment in young vegetative 

shoots. Stems twining or prostrate, supple when young, later becoming lenticelate and finally with 

corky bark. Petiole always developed but short, 1-5cm in length, round in cross section or nearly so 

without a channel on the upper surface. Leaves fleshy, 2-5mm thick, succulent, opposite in whorls. 

Leaves faintly glanduliferus on upper leaf surface where it is attached to the petiole. Leaf shape obovate, 

oblong, or elliptic, but always apiculate at the apex with recurved margins. Nerves always pinnate, 

sometimes not visible in fresh state. Inflorescence consists of a short peduncle that is of the same thickness 

and texture of the stem, the end developed into an extremely compressed panicle. Peduncles are 

either persistent, flowering numerous times or deciduous and flowering only once. Flowers are produced 

in clusters from the end of the peduncle in numbers from one to twenty but with a mean of six. 

Pedicels range from 2-15cm in length, thick and supple occasionally pubescent. Calyx of five large lobes 

usually spatulate, adnate to corolla. Corolla always valuate, thick and rigid. Inside of corolla is cetaseous, 

being glabrous to densely villose. Lobes of the corolla short to elongate. Corolla lobe posture variable 

between species from recurved to flat or incurved. Tube short or non-existent, when present it is patellae 

to cupulate. Base of corolla beneath corona is unique, abruptly cupulate and adnate with column 

of corona, sericeous in all species. The corona column is also sheathed with corolla tissue that is densely 

sericeous in all species. Color of corolla ranges from white to green-yellow or orange to deep dull redbrown. 

The structure forms a deep inverted annulus from which nectar is produced. Corona lobes simple 

inornate, inner (central) lobe acute and laterally flattened. Outer lobe broad also inornate erect to flat 

but always broadly obtuse. Usually yellow or yellow with red areas, rarely all white. Pollinaria have 

rhomboidal retinaculum, with the unique character of twisted translator arms, pollinia always flask- like 

in shape without obvious pellucid edge frequently found in Hoya Br. Follicles large, elongate to 35cm 

and thick in cross-section to 5cm. Outside pubescent or glaucous, mamillate at apex. Unique character 

of well developed spongiform mesocarp. Seed number 250 to 450 per follicle, freshly ochre-white in 

color but becoming dull green-blue with age, comate.” 

23


Pollinarium- the pollinia are club shaped, approximately twice as long as wide, and lack a pellucid edge. 

Translators and caudicles are twisted strongly. Corpuscula are relatively large, square. 

Corona- segments are usually relatively flat, acute at interior angle, rounded at exterior angle, with a median 

furrow on the upper surface. Underside of segments are broadly channeled. Overall the coronas of the species 

placed in genus Eriostemma are very similar morphologically to those of species grouped into Hoya section 

Amblyostemma, although these taxa are very different in most other respects. The lower portion of the 

corona is modified into a tall, broad staminal column which is buried in the corolla tissue. 

Corolla- waxy, thick textured. Usually rotate, occasionally reflexed (E. ciliata) to cup shaped (E. lauterbachii). 


Species names currently thought to belong in this genus, validly transfered from genus Hoya: 

Eriostemma coronaria (Blume) D. Kloppenburg 

& Gilding (type) 

E. ciliata (Elmer ex. C. M. Burton) D. Kloppenburg 

& Gilding 

E. affinis (Hemsl.) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding 

E. lutea (Kostel.) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding E. madulidii (D. Kloppenburg) D. Kloppenburg 

& Gilding 

E. ariadna (Decne.) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding 

E. gigas (Schltr.) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding E. hollrungii (Warb.) D. Kloppenburg& Gilding* 

E. neoguineensis (Engl.) D. Kloppenburg & 

Gilding 

E. peekelii (Markgr.) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding E. purpurea (Blume) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding E. sussuela (Merr.) D. Kloppenburg& Gilding 

E. velutina (Wight) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding* 

* see appendix A, pg. 33 

Species names thought to belong to this genus, not technically transfered from genus Hoya: 

Hoya lauterbachii K. Schum. Hoya pulgarensis Elmer (Nom. Inv.) Hoya guppyi Oliver 

Taxonomic considerations: the species grouped here are widely recognized as constituting a distinct morphological 

group similar in many ways to the mass of species grouped within the genus Hoya. Opinions vary 

on whether this group should be included within genus Hoya as a section or recognized as a distinct, but 

closely related genus, as is genus Dischidia. 

While these species seem superficially similar to many species accepted in genus Hoya, there are several 

features which occur among Eriostemma species which rarely, if ever, occur among Hoya species. Of primary 

difference are the pollinaria of the species placed in genus Eriostemma, which have unique, twisted 

translators and caudicles and club shaped pollinia lacking a pellucid edge. The presence of a pellucid edge 

(a transparent zone on the outer margin of the pollinia through which pollen germination occurs) is a feature 

common to all accepted Hoya species, though rudimentary in some species (H. darwinii). The pollinaria of 

Eriostemma species also seems to have evolved a slightly different method of attaching themselves to the legs 

or probosces of visiting pollinators, a feature that further distinguishes these species from all known Hoya 

species (see pg. 28, this issue). 

Some other features which distinguish genus Eriostemma species are sometimes found in species accepted 

in genus Hoya, and so are not sufficient alone as distinguishing traits to demarcate genus Eriostemma. These 

features do provide corroborating evidence to the distinctness of this group of species. Among these “secondary” 

distinguishing traits are a terrestrial habit, densely wooly vegetative (and to some degree reproductive) 

parts, an extremely well developed staminal column hidden from casual viewing by virtue of being buried 

within the corolla, and thick, short follicles usually of a bluish-green color at maturity. 

24

Until molecular testing sheds more light on this subject and further publishing is done, this group of species 

must now be technically recognized as a genus, as section Eriostemma was re-ranked as a genus by D. 

Kloppenburg and Gilding in 2001. This publication has been challenged on various technical grounds. 

Further investigation by this author shows no valid reason for this publication to be viewed as invalid (see 

appendix A, pg. 32, for a technical discussion on the validity of this publication). However, three species 

names were not technically published due to errors in citation or basionym validity: E. guppyi, E. lauterbachii, 

and E. pulgarensis. 

Several taxonomists have recommended ignoring this publication as it conflicts with their personal interpretation 

of what might constitute a separate genus from genus Hoya (pers. com.). But technical publication 

is an important aspect of taxonomy and nomenclature, and cannot be dismissed so arbitrarily. Technical 

problems prevent the recognition of several species within the genus Hoya as they are commonly accepted 

(Hoya bella (technical name Hoya lanceolata ssp. bella), Hoya angustifolia (no technically valid 

name), Hoya cystiantha (no technically valid name), Hoya nicholsoniae (reduced to synonymy under Hoya 

pottsii). As the technical problems with these names are recognized, so must be the genus status of Eriostemma, 

unless and until such time as further publication effects a change of status for this genus. 

Further complicating the status of this group is the placement of several species included here into synonymy 

under Hoya coronaria by van Donkelaar & Kleijn (2001) shortly after the re-ranking of genus Eriostemma. 

This synonymization is questioned by current botanists, but seems to be technically valid, despite 

recognizing the plants in that publication as Hoya rather than Eriostemma. An earlier work by Forster 

& Liddle (1992) placed (as then recognized) Hoya hollrungii and Hoya ariadna under synonymization to 

H. sussuela, but the later Kloppenburg & Gilding publication would seem to technically reinstate those 

two species names. 

Much work is needed, especially including molecular testing, to clarify the standing of this genus and the 

number and correct names of the species contained within it. For this article, the most commonly recognized 

names for these taxa are recognized for purposes of clarity, although some may prove to be invalid. 

Eriostemma species and hybrids (from left): E. ‘Ruthie’, E. ‘Black Star’, E. ‘Optimistic’, E. sp. Apple 

Green (discolored from shipping), E. sp. Bada. 

25

Genus Eriostemma. 1) A group of Eriostemma flowers. 2) Eriostemma lauterbachii, compared with an 

umbel from Hoya pubicalyx (photo courtesy of Carol Noel. 3) Hoya sussuela (photo courtesy of Joni 

Kahn). 4) Eriostemma hybrids climb a tree in Hawaii at the home of Carol Noel. 

26

Genus Eriostemma, reproductive parts. The base of the corona for all Eriostemma species have 

developed into a tall, broad staminal column which is hidden from casual view as the column is surrounded 

by the tissue of the corolla. This feature is found, to a much less developed degree, in some 

Hoya species (Hoya multiflora, Hoya curtisii). 1 &2) Corona of E. ‘Ruthie’. 3) E. ‘Ruthie’. 4) E. ‘Ruthie’, 

with a part of the corolla removed to reveal the buried staminal column of the corona. 5) Corona of E. 

ciliata. 6) Corona of E. ‘Optimistic’. 7) Pollinarium of E. ‘Optimistic’, showing the natural position of the 

pollinia and the twisted caudicles/translators, taken with a macro lens on a digital camera. 8) Pollinarium 

of E. ‘Optimistic’ showing twisted translators/caudicles taken through a 20x lens. 9) Closeup of the 

twisted translators/caudicles (of E. ‘Optimistic’) and one pollinium, taken through a 400x lens. 

27

The pollinaria of Eriostemma species seem to have 

evolved a different mechanism for attaching themselves to 

the bodies of visiting pollinators. In Hoya species, the pollinaria 

are formed on the corona with their pollina held out 

straight, extending towards the center of the corona (figure 

4). When the pollinia are pulled from their positions over the 

stigma, the pollinia usually spring inwards, crossing each 

other and forming a clasp in which a portion of the pollinators 

body may be trapped (figures 5 & 6- the red dots indicate 

the likely place where a pollinators leg or proboscis 

would be trapped.) 

In Eriostemma species, the pollinarium hold their pollinia in 

a different position, the base of each held far out from the 

corpuscula, the pollinia apex angled inwards, almost touching 

(figure 1). When Eriostemma species pollinaria are removed 

from the stigma, the pollina tend to swing away from 

each other, rather than towards each other, as in Hoya, possibly 

due to the twisted nature of the translators/caudicles. In 

figure 2, the top pollinarium has both pollina sprung into 

their secondary position, the lower two have one each of 

their pollinia swung to their secondary position. No studies 

seem to have been done to determine the actual method of 

polliarium transfer for Eriostemma, but it seems logical that 

the likely place for attachment to a visiting pollinator for 

these species would be in the complexly twisted translators/ 

caudicles themselves (figure 3, with two red dots highlighting 

the likely place of attachment). n 

28

Source Material 

Bennet, J.J. 1838. Plantae Javanicae Rariores, descriptae iconibusque illustratae 1: 90. 

Bentham, G. & Hooker. J. D. 1876. Genera Plantarum 2: 776--777. 

Burton, C. M. 1995/96. “A tentative alternative arrangement of Hoya sections”. The Hoyan. 17 (2part 

2):10--12. 17 (3 part 2): 14--18. 18 (1 part 2):3--5. 19 (2 part 2):9--11 

Decaisne, A. 1838. Annales des Sciences Naturalles; Botanique 9 (2): 271. 

Hasskarl, J. K. 1843. In: Hoev. & De Vriese’s Tijdschrift voor Natuurlijke Geschiedenis en 

Physiologie 10: 125 

Hooker, J. D. 1885. The Flora of British India 4: 52--63. 

King, G. “Flora of the Malayan Peninsula”. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Bengal Branch 74 (2): 

559--563. 

Kloppenburg, D. 1993. Hoya Sections. 

Kloppenburg & Gilding. 2001. “Change of Genus”. Fraterna V.14, #1,2. 

Schlechter, R. 1914. “Die Asclepiadaceen von Deutsch-Neu-Guinea”. Botanische 

Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie 50 (sup.): 81--164 

Tsiang & Li, P. T. 1974. Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica 12: 126. 

Wanntorp, L. et al. 2006a. “Wax plants disentangled: A phylogeny of Hoya (Marsdenieae, 

Apocynaceae) inferred from nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences”. Molec. Phylog. Evol. 

39: 722--733 

Wanntorp, L. et al. 2006b. “Towards a Monophyletic Hoya (Marsdenieae, Apocynaceae): Inferences 

from the Chloroplast trnL Region and the rbcL-atpB spacer”. Syst. Bot. 31(3): 586--596 

Wanntorp, L. et al. 2007a. “Phylogenetic relationships between Hoya and the monotypic genera Madangia, 

Absolmsia, and Micholitzia (Apocynaceae, Marsdeniaea): insights from flower morphology”. 

Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 94: 36-55. 

Wanntorp L. 2007b. “Systematics of Hoya, challenges and rewards”. Asklepios 99: 9-16. 

31

Appendix A 

Technical discussion of the validity 

of the re-ranking of genus 

Eriostemma (Schltr.) D. Kloppenburg & Gilding. 

by Mark Randal 

In looking at this publication only one serious problem which may affect the validity of the publication of genus 

Eriostemma is obvious: the individual species transfer data (except for Hoya coronaria) do not explicitly state the 

basionym form of each species name. This point was suggested by Christine Burton in P. S. The Hoyan V.4,#4 and 

also indicated in Flora Malesiana Bulletin Vol. 13(1) in the following way: “15 new comb, all invalid (Art. 33.3: 

basionyms not mentioned, only referred to!; see also Fraterna 14/1 (2001)”. 

This point does not actually agree with the rules of the ICBN, and this view is not supported by the IPNI (International 

Plant Name Index) which, while not infallible, does research the names listed therein and notes invalid 

names/combinations. 

The relevant Article (33.4) of the ICBN states: 

"On or after 1 January 1953, a new combination, a new generic name with a basionym, or an avowed substitute 

(replacement name, nomen novum) based on a previously and validly published name is not validly published 

unless its basionym (name-bringing or epithet-bringing synonym) or the replaced synonym (when a new 

name is proposed) is clearly indicated and a full and direct reference given to its author and place of valid publication, 

with page or plate reference and date (but see Art. 33.5 and 33.7). 

On or after 1 January 2007, a new combination, a new generic name with a basionym, or an avowed substitute 

is not validly published unless its basionym or replaced synonym is cited. " 

The requirement here states that before 2007 a new combination may be published by “clearly indicating” the 

basionym, rather than explicitly citing the basionym, so long as the basionym author and place of publication are 

correctly cited. This point is illustrated in example 13 for Article 33.4: 

"Ex. 13. The new combination Conophytum marginatum subsp. littlewoodii (L. Bolus) S. A. Hammer (Dumpling & 

His Wife: New Views Gen. Conophytum: 181. 2002), being made prior to 1 January 2007, was validly published 

even though Hammer did not cite the basionym (Conophytum littlewoodii) but only indicated it by citing its bibliographic 

reference. " 

As this instance parallels the situation for D. Kloppenburg & Gilding’s Eriostemma species transfers almost exactly 

(they all correctly cite basionym author and publication, except as noted below), it seems that the code 

would recognize the new Eriostemma species as being validly published. 

So this point does not preclude valid publication of Eriostemma as a genus. 

There are problems which preclude the valid transfer of two Eriostemma species from the genus Hoya: 

Eriostemma guppyi (the author citation is incorrect.) 

Eriostemma lauterbachii (the bibliographical citation is incorrect.) 

Also: 

Eriostemma pulgarensis is rendered invalid, since the basionym, Hoya pulgarensis, is itself not a validly published 

name. 

Two Eriostemma species (treated at the time as Hoya species- H. hollrungii and H. velutina) were placed into 

synonymy under Hoya coronaria by Kleijn & van Donkelaar (2001). This does not reflect the view of most botanists 

studying this group today; more study and potential republishing are necessary to clarify the standing of these 

potential species, but the names E. hollrungii and E. velutina now stand technically as synonyms of E. coronaria. 

n 

32

Back page 

Hoya sp. AH-240 

Country of Origin: New Guinea. 

Related/Similar Species: Hoya albiflora, Hoya magnifica, Hoya calycina. 

Flower Color: white corolla and corona, with a red stain under the corona. 

Flower Size: 2.5cm. 

Flower Form: flattened campanulate, divided. 

Scent: strong, sweet, spicy. 

Leaf size: up to 20cm long, 8cm wide. 

Collector: unknown. 

Water Requirements: requires regular water, do not let dry out completely. 

Light Requirements: partial shade. 

Cultivation notes: This species is a vigorous, large leaved vine which will require a large 

support as it matures. The roots of this species are extremely vigorous also, and will 

quickly fill large containers. H. sp. AH-240 seems to not like to dry out completely, and 

keeping mature, root-bound plants watered adequately can be a challenge. Flowering 

tends to occur in the autumn, in synch with the similar species H. calycina and H. magnifica. 

33

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