Hoya imbricata

[Stanley]

This one's a little different from the typical ant plants shared here: Hoya imbricata.

This Hoya is epiphytic and grows by sending vines/leaves up tree trunks/branches. The leaves cup onto the tree surface to create cavities that are used by ants as homes. The ant waste feeds the plant and the plant provides shelter for the ants.

This species doesn't seem to be that widespread in collections. From my research, they seem like they do best in lowland conditions so I have them growing in a 1020 dome under fluorescent and blurple LEDs. I'm eventually going to move them into a 16" x 18" x 24" acrylic tank with 4000K LED modules.

I received 1 leaf and 2 leaf cuttings so they look a little sad right now. I have them "mounted" on cork tubes with LFS as a base.

I will take better photos tonight but here's a preview:

 

[Stanley]

Another photo of my two plants. The 1-leaf plant has tons of new vines while the 2-leaf has a small vine emerging (not visible unless you lift up a leaf).

 

[jeff]

very nice

but in the genus Asclepiadaceae, it is the Dischidia genus that is the most interesting with plants having modified leaves in 'outre' (I do not know the English translation of this word)

an other genus interesting the ant fern ( lecanopteris and solanopteris) .

if you want more infos on these genus see my web site here http://fern72.free.fr/siteweb/myrmecophile.html ( in french)

jeff

 

[Stanley]

I'm trying to get my hands on a Dischidia astephana right now! From what I read, it would do well in my intermediate/highland chamber.

 

[Samskwatch]

En outre : amongst other things.

 

[jeff]

SAMSKWATCH pas dans ce sens la ,plutot une feuille en forme de sac ( une outre c'est : une peau de bouc cousue en forme de sac pour conserver et transporter des liquides , materiel utilisé par le peuple des oasis dans les deserts )

chez les dischidia on trouve ce genre de feuille sur D.complex ; D.major(rafflesiana) ; D.pectinoides( vidalii); D.digitiformis )

STANLEY D.astephana sont plutot comme pour tes hoyas avec des feuilles plaquees sur les arbres

 

[Stanley]

jeff, that's what attracted me to them! I love how lumpy they get and the red colouration they take on is great!

 

[Samskwatch]

Ha d’accord, cette outre là. C’est wineskin en anglais.

 

[Stanley]

I've been fortunate enough this year to get some blossoms from my H. imbricata! This is the most fragrant of all the hoyas we grow with a very deep, thick, musky floral aroma.