Hoya memoria (sold as gracilis)
Origin and Description:
Hoya memoria is a unique and captivating species discovered in 1981 by Dale Kloppenburg and Ted Green at the Memorial Gardens in Manila, Philippines. This species, often sold as Hoya gracilis, was originally believed to be another type but has since been confirmed as a distinct species native to the Philippines. It was collected from the aviary fence of the garden, where multiple species were growing, and planted out after being established in a nursery. This confusion regarding its identity arose because Hoya gracilis from the Philippines differs significantly from the plant described by Schlechter from Celebes (Indonesia). The most notable difference lies in the size of the floral parts called translators, which are larger in Hoya memoria.
Hoya memoria showcases beautiful, fragrant, red-pink flowers with slightly hairy petals, giving them a soft, velvety appearance. The plant itself has thick, rigid green leaves that sometimes develop a reddish tint under bright light, adding to its charm.
Natural Habitat:
Hoya memoria is a native species of the southern Philippines, where it grows in damp environments. It thrives in areas with higher humidity and moderate temperatures, often found clinging to structures or trees in natural and cultivated spaces.
Care Instructions:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Too much direct sun may cause leaf burn, while too little light can reduce flowering.
- Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid letting the plant sit in water. It prefers well-draining soil.
- Humidity: Higher humidity (around 60-80%) encourages better growth and flowering.
- Temperature: Warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) are ideal.
- Soil: A well-draining mix, such as one designed for orchids or with added coco husk, works best to prevent root rot.
Fun Fact:
The name memoria was chosen to commemorate the Memorial Gardens in Manila, where this species was first discovered. Interestingly, this plant was originally believed to be Hoya gracilis, and there was some confusion about its origins. It was thought to have come from Ceram, Indonesia, but after much research, this was proven false. Hoya memoria is a true Philippine species, native to the southern parts of the country, and its name pays tribute to the exact location where it was found.
Interesting Fact: (as of 9/2024)
After doing as much digging as I can, here's what I found: The Hoya gracilis you see in circulation today is most likely not the true Hoya gracilis. It’s believed that what we actually have is Hoya memoria or possibly another closely related species. The original Hoya gracilis was described by a botanist named Schlechter and came from Celebes (now Sulawesi, Indonesia). However, the plants collected from the Philippines, which were labeled Hoya gracilis, don’t match the original description in several key ways, particularly in the flower structure.
There could be more information out there, but from what I’ve found, none of the Philippine specimens officially match the true Hoya gracilis. Until further research is done—like DNA testing—we may never know if the real Hoya gracilis is still out there. For now, it’s a bit of a mystery!
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