“Friedrich Richard Rudolf Schlechter. 18614. Papua New Guinea: auf Bäumen in den Wäldern des Bismarck-Gebirges. Northeastern New Guinea, on trees in the forests of the Bismarck Mountains, 1100 m. Slender epiphytic half shrub with threadlike branches. Leaf blades erect, spreading, ovate, somewhat obtuse, margins recurved, reticulately nerved, leathery, glabrous, 1-2 cm long. Inflorescence umbel like, with up to 6 flowers. Sepals small, ovate, somewhat obtuse, glabrous, much smaller than those of the corolla. Corolla broadly campanulate, parted to the middle, outer surface glabrous, inner surface glabrous except for the puberulous margins of the Iobes, approx. 2 cm. in diameter, lobes somewhat orbicular, shortly acuminate, show white. Corona lobes spreading, somewhat horizontal, apex slightly acuminate, below the middle concave, under surface smooth margined, dark violet.”
A big thanks to Mary Carroll for providing the above information!
Based on the type description – A charming small species which is closely related to the two following ones (Hoya microstemma and Hoya minahassae). Its leaves are more like that of a Dischidia and are smaller than any other of the species in the section, in this area. The blooms are snow white with dark violet coronas.
Hoya microphylla was discovered by the German botanist Rudolf Schlechter in Northeastern New Guinea, on trees in the forests of the Bismarck Mountains, 1100 m. 2 November 1908.
Here is a rare set of Hoya sulawesiana buds that made it to term. I don’t seem to grow this species particularly well, or it just does not like my conditions. as most sets of buds fall off just before opening. It is just as well as this Hoya probably drips more nectar, in relation to the size of its flowers, than any other Hoya I have grown.
This is an interesting plant that has been around in the hobby since the early 2000’s. I wanted to grow it the first time that I saw its cute little yellow flowers, and am super happy that I got the chance give it a go. I don’t have anything bad to say about this plant; the flowers collect a little nectar, but not enough to drip. It is an easy grower that I think could make a somewhat unkept, but impressive looking hanging basket. If you have not tried this one yet I urge you to pick one up. I should also say that a very attractive variegated version has now been released that is quite striking.
If it were to do over again, I would grow this species in a hanging basket. It does not twine, is a rampant grower once it gets going, and is difficult to keep up with tying to a trellis. This plant would also do best where it could actually get less light. My grow tents are over lit and many species get sun stressed and Hoya tsangii is one of them. The leaves get red and blotchy from too much light. I believe they look best when kept nice and green. Below my plant in its entirety:
