Wax flower (Hoya carnosa)
June 26, 2007 — Vasant M. SalianWax flower (Hoya carnosa) is a slow-growing, woody, evergreen vine which has thick, fleshy, two to four-inch-long, green or variegated leaves, and produces in spring and summer large, round, hanging clusters of creamy white to light pink, 0.5-inch, fragrant flowers, each with a perfect five-pointed pink star in the centre.
Bloom fragrance is subtle and you must come close to the plant to enjoy it but it is well worth the effort. These long-lasting, showy blooms emerge on old flower spurs, which should never be pruned off. The delicate flowers appear to be made of porcelain and are truly unique.
The flowers produce abundant nectar which drips down in warm weather. Because Wax Plant is especially sensitive to nematodes, plants are often grown in containers where the soil can be carefully controlled.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Gentianales
Family : Apocynaceae
Genus : Hoya
Species : Hoya carnosa
Pronunciation/Meaning:
- Asclepiadaceae (ass-kle-pee-ad-AY-see-ay) - The Asclepias (milkweed) family.
- Hoya (HOY-uh) - Named for Thomas Hoy, early 19th century botanist and head gardener for the Duke of Horthumberland at Syon House.
- carnosa (kar-NO-suh) - Fleshy.
Common Names:
- Wax Plant, Wax Flower, Porcelain Flower
Links:
