Hoya buntokensis (SLM01)

The Hoya buntokensis species was discovered by Abdul Lalang in Buntok, Kalimantan in Indonesia. The name "buntokensis" is derived from the location of its discovery. The plant was scientifically described by Sri Rahayu & Michele Rodda and published in Blumea 66, 237, in the year 2021.

Environmental Requirements

• Location: The plant was initially found growing as an epiphyte on a tree trunk about 5 meters above the ground.
• Lighting:  It thrives in environments with 50-70% sun exposure but can also adapt to more shaded conditions. In stronger light, the leaves may take on a reddish hue.
• Temperature: The natural habitat of the plant is 100–300 meters above sea level, indicating that it prefers high temperatures.
• Humidity: The area where it was discovered suggests that the plant flourishes in high humidity.

Unique Features

• Stem: The stem is round and narrow, ranging from 2.5–5 mm in diameter. It is hairy when young but becomes smooth as it ages.
• Leaves: The plant has two types of leaves; those growing along the stem are flat, oval to elongate, and those that form a special structure called "megadomatia" are egg-shaped.
• Flower: The blooms are cream-white to pale pink with a cream-white corona. They measure between 2.5–3.5 cm in diameter when flattened.
• Megadomatia: A particularly fascinating aspect of this plant is its ability to form
  
  megadomatia—a ball of tightly cupped leaves where ants often make their homes.

What sets Hoya buntokensis apart is not just its striking physical features, but also its specialized adaptations like the formation of megadomatia. It's truly a unique find in the botanical world!

NOTE: Please keep in mind that the leaf size may vary for this plant. Sometimes a bit smaller or larger of the stock photo.