The candy flowers of Hoya obscura

The Philippines hosts a diverse assemblage of Hoya species, with newly discovered ones being found every year with regularity. And yet, some mainstays are still capable of holding their own, despite being commonly seen both in the wild and in gardens. Such is true for H. obscura, a widespread and often encountered species that occurs in several localities in the Philippines and Sulawesi. These are usually denizens of the lowlands, but can ascend to altitudes of about 1000 m above sea level. In both cases, they are often observed clinging on more open spots on their host trees, with a clear aversion for companion plants. Hoya obscura is a slow-growing species, and can be overtaken and smothered by larger, faster-growing epiphytic vegetation. In contrast to many other species of Hoya, this species is more of a dangling plant, but can become root climbers when their stems get in contact with a substrate. Perhaps due to its propensity to grow rather exposed, H. obscura has thickened stems and tough, succulent leaves that allow it to successfully colonize more open aspects and thus avoid competition. The leaves are usually green with paler veining, but in places that get cooler nighttime temperature drops, these leaves can become bright red, save for the lacy veins. When placed in shadier spots, the leaves become bright green and thinner but flop unattractively.

The flowers are arranged in a geotropic umbel, that is, the flowers face towards the earth, which often makes photographing such flowers difficult due to issues of back-lighting. The fuzzy corollas reflex and lend the flowers the appearance of frosty buttons, each decorated with a star- the coronas. The flowers last for only two days but the plants can bloom all throughout the year when maintained in conditions to its liking.

Hoya obscura is an easy bloomer, with flowers that are very pleasantly scented. Additionally, there is quite a great deal of variation in the flower colors, with some specimens displaying almost white flowers and others still that flaunt orange or even reddish blooms. I may have about five or six different clones of this species, with the one in the photo currently in flower. The contrast between the glimmering pink corollas and the soft orange coronas is just lovely. Like all my obscuras, this one is in a hanging pot and exposed to strong sunlight, although they all get some form of shade from nearby plants. They are allowed to dry out in between waterings, and actually thrive even when practically neglected. Talk about a plant that gives floral rewards despite modest attention!