Hoya bhutanica explained

Hoya bhutanica is a species of epiphytic climbing shrub endemic to Bhutan.^[1] It is currently classified as endangered in the IUCN redlist.^[2]

Description

It is similar to Hoya parasitica, with slender stems to at least 5 meters. The leaves are fleshy, elliptic to narrowly so in shape, with acuminate apex. The leaf base is cuneate with three nerves at the base. Flower lobes are white with a purple centre. It is an extensive glabrous creeper.

Range

Hoya bhutanica is currently known only from Bhutan.

Habitat

It is an epiphyte on trees in dense forest.^[3]

Ecology

It is mainly found in the tropical biome that is damp.^[4]

Etymology

The species epithet was given in the name of the country (Bhutan) where the holotype of this species was found.

Notes and References

1. Book: National Biodiversity Centre, Bhutan . Plants Endemic to Bhutan Himalaya . 11 November 2015 . 9789993676355.
2. Hoya bhutanica: Bhutan Endemic Flowering Plants Workshop: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T84487492A84548403 . IUCN Red List . 26 November 2015 . 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T84487492A84548403.en.
3. Book: Grierson . Andrew J. C. . Long . David G. . Flora of Bhutan: including a record of plants from Sikkim and Darjeeling . 1999 . Royal botanic garden Royal government of Bhutan . Edinburgh [S.l.] . 1872291430.
4. Web site: Hoya bhutanica Grierson & D.G.Long Plants of the World Online Kew Science . Plants of the World Online . 7 January 2024 . en.