Here are both of these Hoya together in the same photograph with Hoya benchaii on the left and Hoya kloppenburg on the Right.

Hoya benchaii is very similar to Hoya kloppenburgii, but here are a few differences (Thanks to Mary Carroll for unearthing all of this information!)

1. Hoya benchaii can be differentiated from Hoya kloppenburgii in having ovate leaves as compared to lanceolate leaves.
2. Hoya kloppenburgii also has a positively geotropic inflorescence with a long peduncle and an umbel of flowers that is flat to slightly concave; however, there are many more flowers per umbel, up to 15–20, as against 4–11 in Hoya benchaii.
3. The basal part of the corolla in Hoya kloppenburgii is cream to pale yellow with white pubescent hairs, but pink and glabrous under the corona in Hoya benchaii. The bi-carpellate ovary in Hoya kloppenburgii is much more pointed, and longer, 2 mm compared to 1.6–1.8 mm in Hoya benchaii, based on the type description.

Above Hoya benchaii on the left and Hoya kloppenburgii on the right. I can’t believe that I was lucky enough to have both of these flowering at the same time!

This plant is named for Ben Chai who collected the type material and at one time had a large collection of Hoya at his home in Sabah. Below the hard stiff leaves of Hoya benchaii:

Hoya benchaii was oiginally collected in Borneo, Malaysia, Sabah, east of Ranau, Telupid area and cultivated at Kipandi Park and vouchered on May 8, 2011.

It has been a very long road, but Hoya benchaii is finally flowered. Tomorrow I will begin discussing the plant; for now here is a teaser photo of the blooms:

I doubt I will ever have Hoya inflata looking this good again, so for posterity here are a few photos:

I usually find these flowers after they are fully open. This morning I happened to see them just as they were beginning to open.

My Hoya stenophylla is more like keeping a small shrub than keeping a traditional houseplant. I turned it around the other day and found several flowers on the back side.

We are going to bid farewell for now to Hoya stenaokei, but have no fear it will be revisited soon when the glabrous leafed version and its flowers are discussed. For now, all I can say is that this Hoya, especially if you like large flowered Hoyas, is a must have. With its big furry blooms, fuzzy leaves, and beautiful scent, there is nothing not to love!

Here is a photo of a measuring tape held up against the flowers of Hoya stenaokei (NS12-222) so that their size can be readily assessed.